Sep 16

Sep 16 First Chaplain of the House of Representatives - William Linn

William Linn was the first Chaplain of the US House of Representatives.

William Linn

William Linn studied theology as a young man and was licensed to preach just as the Revolutionary War broke out.

These circumstances led to his joining the Continental Army as a Chaplain in 1775.

Linn spent two years with the Army before accepting a position at the head of a church in Virginia.

He spent the next decade bouncing between churches and educational institutions before receiving appointment as Pastor of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed Church of New York City.

Chaplain of the House

Three years into his tenure, the United States began meeting under the Constitution in New York.

The House of Representatives went searching for a Chaplain and hired Linn.

William became the inaugural Chaplain of the House, serving as one of the young nation’s religious leaders through the end of 1790.

College President

Linn left his service in the House of Representatives when he was chosen as President of Queen’s College.

Now known as Rutgers University, the institution fell into some financial trouble under his watch and had to shut down for a bit in 1795.

Fortunately, the College was able to get back on its feet after Linn’s removal.

Sermons

Despite the setbacks, Linn spent the rest of his life serving as a trustee of the University of the State of New York.

He also became well known for many of his sermons and speeches. Particularly, he was proud of a 4th of July address he gave at the newly created Tammany Society.

He was also one of dozens of people to give a eulogy upon George Washington’s death. His was especially noteworthy as he spoke in front of former officers of Washington’s at the New York Society of the Cincinnati.

Want to learn about other REVOLUTIONARY PREACHERS?

OK, here you go:

Preaching Abolition - Lemuel Haynes Breaks Barriers

Chaplain of the First Continental Congress - Jacob Duche

There have been dozens of books written about religion in the American Revolution.

‘God of Liberty’ is one I read a while back that is especially good.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).