A Shepherd's Story
Today I would like to share a few thoughts on one of my favorite local characters from the War Between the States. He?s not a general, or even a soldier. He?s not a statesman, nor a political figure. He?s not even ?officially enlisted? in the conflict, yet his contributions during the war years continue to be celebrated to this very day. I am speaking of the Reverend Beverly Tucker Lacy, who is a major historical figure here in our town of Fredericksburg.

Surprisingly, I just did a Google search on ?Reverend Tucker Lacy? in hopes of finding a digital photograph to add to this post, and it seems that my stuff comes up as the third, fourth, eighth, and ninth links. Although this is nice for me, all of these pages have relatively short references to the man, and none of them are what I consider to be a detailed study. The first and second links are from our local National Park Service websites and are referencing Ellwood Manor and Jackson?s wounding at Chancellorsville. It appears there is a lack of material on the good Reverend (at least on the Internet). Perhaps I will do a study worthy of a front-page Google rating in the future.

In the meantime, here are some excerpts from an article that I did on Confederate Chaplains for Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church?s newsletter:

...Despite the lack of readily available clergymen in the early Confederate States Army, several of the South?s more pious commanders, including General Thomas ?Stonewall? Jackson, appointed personal ministers to their staff, and maintained daily prayer rituals whether in camp or on the march. Whenever possible, a strict schedule of morning and evening worship on the Sabbath, as well as Wednesday prayer meetings, was adhered to at all costs. One of our local Fredericksburg Presbyterian preachers, the Reverend Beverly Tucker Lacy, was appointed as the Staff Chaplain for Jackson, as well as his Second Corps. The minister routinely led the worship services for the entire camp, which were often attended by General Lee and his staff.

Reverend Lacy's energizing speeches quickly became a popular event for saved and unsaved soldiers alike, who attended his sermons by the thousands. Jackson recalled one particular event that summarized the success of their ministry. He wrote, "It was a noble sight to see there those, who led our armies to victory and upon whom the eyes of the nation are turned with admiration and gratitude, melted in tears at the story of the cross and the exhibition of the love of God to the repenting and return sinner."

As the war progressed, a movement referred to as "The Great Revival" took place in the South. Beginning in the fall of 1863, this event was in full progress throughout the Army of Northern Virginia. Before the revival was interrupted by General U.S. Grant's attack in May of 1864, approximately seven thousand soldiers (10 percent of Robert E. Lee's force) were reportedly converted. Many of these new believers came out of Stonewall's Corps, and ultimately, Lacy?s flock.

Unfortunately, the memory of the good Reverend?s contributions seems to be focused on just a few incidents of which he was a participant. According to an article written by Chaplain Russ Campbell for MilitaryHistoryOnline, ?Many historians first mention Rev. Lacy during the aftermath of the battle of Chancellorsville, for it was he who was present with General Jackson after Jackson's tragic wounding and subsequent fatal bout of pneumonia. It was he who took Jackson's amputated arm to his brother's farm in Ellwood for burial. It was he who carried to Jackson General Robert E. Lee's message: "?tell him I wrestled in prayer for him last night, as I never prayed, I believe, for myself." It was Rev. Lacy who baptized Jackson's daughter Julia April 23, 1863.?

Perhaps his biggest contribution to the Confederacy was still yet to come.

After Jackson's death, Rev. Lacy stayed on with the Second Corps as headquarters chaplain under Lieutenant Gen. Richard Ewell. The tidal wave of questions that asked God's reasons for taking Jackson rolled over the Corps leaving a state of doubt and depression in its wake. Rev. Lacy believed that God intended to emphasize Jackson's Christian and military virtues by taking him at the height of his career. He agreed with his peers that God desired to teach the South to trust in no man, but in God alone. He also added that perhaps God was disciplining Southerners for their sins (including the sin of idolizing Jackson); however, the South would in time regain divine favor.

This brutally honest form of self-examination during a time of great sadness, acted as both a comfort, and an inspiration to the troops, who were most likely feeling that they themselves had been forsaken. In recognizing their own fallen nature, as well as the mortality and imperfection of their leader, the Army of Northern Virginia, and more specifically the Stonewall Brigade, was made spiritually stronger, regardless if they ever recovered from the loss of Jackson.

Their resolve and the mental ability to continue fighting for ?The Cause? can be attributed in part, to the grace and wisdom of the Reverend Beverly Tucker Lacy, and of course the Divine Guidance that he received from above.

Excepts taken from ?Chaplains in the Confederacy? Published in the SPC Post, by M.Aubrecht, Copyright 2006