Medina-area faith leaders come together in memory of of four chaplains

MEDINA — Medina County residents were encouraged to think about selfless service in a night of reflection based on the story of the four chaplains on Wednesday. The American Legion Post 202 sponsored the annual remembrance service, which was held at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina. On Feb. 3, 1943, a German submarine fired a torpedo toward the United States Army Transport Dorchester. The torpedo hit the boiler room, which cut off the ship's electrical supply. There were four chaplains aboard the Dorchester who all had a different religious background. Alexander Goode was Jewish, George Fox was Methodist, Clark Poling was Dutch Reformed and John Washington was Catholic. The four chaplains gave away their own life jackets to other men onboard when there were no other life jackets left. Witnesses said the chaplains linked arms and bowed their heads in prayer as they sank beneath the waves. "They did not say, all men that are Catholic, come to me," the Rev. Arthur Ruffin said. "All of those that are Methodist, come to me. All of those that are Jewish, come to me. All of those that are reformed, come to me. They just gave it to whoever needed it, knowing that their life was not going to be spared." Each year, faith leaders from the Medina area come together in memory of the four chaplains to speak and reflect on their sacrifice. This year, Ruffin from Second Baptist Church, the Rev. John Mulhollan from St. Francis Xavier Parish, the Rev. Tal Lewis from the Medina United Methodist Church and the Rev. Dan Toot from the Brunswick Reformed Church were at Wednesday's ceremony. Rabbi Stephen Grundfast from Beth El Congregation could not attend this year's event. The event also recognized Charles David for his work to save others during the incident. David was African American and worked as a cook. He jumped into the freezing water and rescued many soldiers before his body gave out. He died a few days later from complications related to exposure to the freezing water. "He had no reason to jump in the water," Ruffin said. "He had no reason to come off the other ship to save anybody because they were not allowing him to be promoted to the top. Here he is, somebody that was not recognized as nobody, became somebody that night." Program coordinator Dave Taylor called upon all in attendance to reflect on Wednesday's teachings. "Love, in its purest form, is to give one's life for another," he said. "Most of us here tonight, if not all of us, will never be called to demonstrate love in that ultimate form, but we are required, like the four chaplains, to give of ourselves in service to others." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.