“One of the great stories from the American Revolutionary Era happened in Virginia – the story of the “Patriot Pastor,” John Peter Muhlenberg.
On January 21, 1776, at the Lutheran church in Woodstock, Virginia, Pastor Muhlenberg preached from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, which starts, “To everything there is a season.”
After reading the eighth verse, “a time of war, and a time of peace,” he declared, “And this is the time of war.” He then threw off his clerical robe to reveal the uniform of a Continental Army Colonel. It turns out that Pastor Muhlenberg also had a military background, and George Washington had personally asked him to raise and command the 8th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army.
Outside the church, drums began to roll as the men in the congregation turned to kiss their wives and then walked down the aisle of the church to enlist. Within a half hour, 300 men had joined the 8th Virginia Regiment and marched on to fight for their country’s independence.
After the Revolutionary War, John Muhlenberg went on to serve the new republic in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The “Patriot Pastor” became a great American story of faith and freedom.”
On the plaque are these words telling a snippet about his service to his country.
SOLDIER
Commissioned Colonel of Virginia Militia 1775
Commanded Eighth Virginia Regiment
Which Became the “German Regiment” of the Continental Army
Fought at Charleston and Philadelphia
Promoted to Brigadier General 1777
Wintered with his Troops at Valley Forge 1777-1778
Fought at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and Stony Point
Member, Royal Arch Masonic Lodge, Philadelphia 1779
Named Commander of All Forces in Virginia 1780
Fought at Portsmouth and Yorktown
Promoted to Major General 1783
Retired November 3, 1783
Serving / His Church / His Country / His State
Muhlenberg commanded a Virginia regiment during the Revolution, first seeing action at Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina. He led his men in further engagements, worked closely with George Washington and before the war’s end rose to the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he served in the U.S. House and Senate, representing Pennsylvania.
This pastor, and many others, were Patriots who fought for the independence of our country.
Sheila Ingle 