Just Before Anniversary of Gettysburg Address, Civil War Chapel Shut Down by City; Gettysburg Tries to Tear Down Nation's Only Reconstructed Civil War Chapel

GETTYSBURG, Pa., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, one day before the 147th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address and just months before the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Liberty Institute sent a letter to the City of Gettysburg to save a reconstructed Civil War era chapel, built by the refounded United States Christian Commission (USCC).  The City sent a vacate notice to the Chapel founders requiring the removal of the Chapel.

"Just a short distance from this Chapel, President Lincoln described our country as a 'nation under God,'" said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation for Liberty Institute.  "Now, nearly 150 years later, we have no idea why they are trying to kick God out of Gettysburg.  It's a violation of Pennsylvania state law, federal law, and the Constitution."

The USCC, comprised of five thousand volunteers and chaplains from 1861 to just after the Civil War, served soldiers in battle by distributing over $6 million worth of goods and supplies (in 1860's valuation) to soldiers on the battlefields, camps, hospitals, and prisons.  The USCC disbanded shortly after the War, but was refounded in 2004 by John Wega, who discovered their work as unsung heroes of the Civil War.

"This Chapel exists to offer visitors the same hope and peace that USCC chaplains extended to men who fought and died on the battlefield so long ago," said John Wega, founder of the modern United States Christian Commission.  "Even today, men and women come to this Chapel to find peace and hope amidst their troubles."

The Civil War Chapel, constructed of rough-cut lumber by Wega and his family, was erected on a vacant lot in 2006.  The Chapel originally consisted of a foundation, two fences, and a tent, which was approved by the City.  Later expansions included adding stabilizing beams to the roof and eventually a tin roof.  In May 2010, months after these additions were complete, the City of Gettysburg sent Wega a letter demanding the removal of the Chapel for unspecific reasons.  Then in July, the Adams County Chamber of Commerce gave the Chapel a Beautification Award.  

"This case is not just about this Chapel, but the selfless sacrifice and service of those who fought and died here," said Sasser.  "This simple Chapel invokes an important part of the Civil War soldier's life – his faith and reliance on God – and must not be removed.  We are hopeful that the City will do the right thing and help keep this Civil War Chapel."

Supporters of the Civil War Chapel also announced the launch of a public campaign to help save the Chapel and are asking people to sign a petition of support, visit www.SaveTheCivilWarChapel.com for more information.

Editor's Note: B-roll and photos available.

SOURCE Liberty Institute