Tidbit Tuesday: Civilian Public Service

Until World War II, there were few choices for men who disagreed with bearing arms and going to war. During the Revolutionary War, exemptions varied by state, but most fined individuals who refused to enlist. Men could purchase a substitute during the Civil War, but perhaps just as many went into hiding while others chose prison.

In WWI, the U.S. created noncombatant roles for conscientious objectors, but many were objects of ridicule, derision, and even violence. Eventually the shortage of farm labor gave men an opportunity to work on farms or with the American Friends Service Committee. Those who refused even noncombatant role were sent to prison.

By the time World War II rolled around, all registrants were given a questionnaire that included a checkoff to indicate opposition to military service because of religious training or belief. The Civilian Public Service organization was created in 1941 to provide alternative to military service. Until 1947, over 12,000 men performed “work of national importance” in 152 camps around the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.

Men in the CPS were not paid and received little Federal support. The cost of maintaining the camps, where the men lived in barracks-style facilities, and providing for the men was the responsibility of their congregations and families. Working nine hours per day, six days per week, the men of the CPS made significant contributions in the areas of fire prevention, flood control, medical science, and mental health.

Because of the religious element in conscientious objection, the camps were administered by several denominations such as the Mennonite Central Committee, American Friends Service Committee, and Brethren Service Committee. Each camp had a director, who in the beginning was a pastor, as well as matron, business director, and dietitian.

Camps were closed and CPS workers released from their assignments in March 1947. Shortly thereafter, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to American and British Friends Service Committee for their relief work in Europe.

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Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. She is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. Linda is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library. To find out more about Linda and her books visit her website. Her latest release, Love's Rescue, is a modern retelling of the story of Rahab set in the final days of the occupation of Paris.