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324 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
taries. At this time we can correlate our work, exchange ideas, plan and make
suggestions for the material of the folder mentioned above.
In the successful promotion of this department we need an assistant as soon
as possible and increased funds for the printing of tracts, gospels and other
literature. There is also the need for an increased budget that we might aid
in supporting revivals in the strictly mission areas.
Listed below you Will find our report for 1945:
Number of miles traveled, 23,236; sermons preached, 170; addresses delivered,
45; churches visited, 31; state meetings attended 2; revival meetings
held, 5; number of baptisms, 228, and number received by letter or statement,
281.
CAMP WORK
ALFRED CARPENTER, Superintendent
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHAPLAINS
SECTION VI
During the period known as World War II, our chaplains have led in probably
the most far-reaching, soul-winning, missionary movement known to our
history. During the period July 1, 1941 to December 31, 1945, there were
1,254 Southern Baptist Chaplains in the Service. On V-J Day, there were
1,130, and on December 31, 1945, there were 767 in Army and 155 in Navy,
or total of 922 on duty.
(April 1, 1946, 465 in Army and 126 in the Navy, or total of 591 on
duty.)
Evangelism within the military. Their spiritual leadership inside the
Armed Forces is a well known and established fact throughout the military.
Our Baptist preachers in uniform have had opportunity to deal with American
born paganism in the hearts of men. The chaplains took 100,000 as their
soul-winning goal for the year, or one-tenth of the Southern Baptist Centennial
goal of one million. They reported 91,740 for 1945. Total professions reported
for period of war is 298,932.
Missions outside the military. "Beyond the point of duty," around the
globe our chaplains have led in a far-reaching missionary adventure. Going
where and when our missionaries could not go and at a time of dire need and
open opportunity. From Alaska to Guadalcanal they have built places of worship
and organized churches. Where Baptist work was already established,
they have ministered to and co-operated with the local groups. This far-reaching
ministry, not only to those in uniform during time of war, but also to
civilians across a war torn world, is outstanding in present value and future
possibilities.
Southern Baptist chaplains are noted for their personal chastity, Biblical
orthodoxy, denominational loyalty, evangelistic zeal, missionary aggressiveness,
and general spiritual ministry. Our chaplains hold their portion of positions
of leadership in all branches of the Service.
A valuable by-product is the large number of men called to the gospel
ministry under the chaplains' leadership. Our office has names of approximately
950 of these men. We have established contact with 550, seeking to
offer counsel as they return to civilian life and to school. Where their questionnaires
revealed preference regarding school, this information was forwarded
to the schools.
Promotions. During 1945 there were 152 promoted to Captaincy, 23 to
Majority, 4 to Lt. Colonel, 4 to Colonel—total 183 promotions in Army. Total
war-time promotions in the Navy number 154.