Reverend Peter Muhlenberg Commemorated in Woodstock, VA

On Saturday, January 25, in Woodstock, VA members of the Sons, Daughters and Children of the American Revolution assembled in front of the Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock to honor the Reverend Peter Muhlenberg.

It was Sunday, January 23, 1776 in the Lutheran Church in the frontier village of Woodstock, VA where the Reverend Muhlenberg gave a sermon based on the Bible Book of Ecclesiastes. His sermon included: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted...". As he came to the end of his sermon Muhlenberg turned to his congregation and said, "In the language of the Holy writ, there was a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to pray, but those times have passed away." As the Congregation looked on, he continued: "There is a time to fight, and that time has now come." Muhlenberg then reportedly removed his religious robes revealing the uniform of a Continental Army officer.

That day Muhelenberg recruited 300 men from his congregation. They eventually became the 8th Virginia Regiment. He became a Major-General under General George Washington. He earned the trust of Washington and General Von Steuben. He was given command of one thousand light infantry. Peter Muhlenberg died October 1, 1807. He is buried a the Augustus Lutheran Church in Trappe, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter was represented by past President Ken Bonner and President Barry Schwoerer. Mr. Schwoerer participated in color guard and presented the chapter wreath.