In the latest issue of the PRJC magazine, The Guardian, Executive Director and current Endorser Chaplain Doug Lee, a retired PCA Chaplain, announced the new ‘Chaplain William B. Leonard, Jr. Scholarship Fund’

Chaplains build on the foundation of those who have gone before them. The Chaplains of the PRJC are especially blessed because of the dedicated, passionate work of the past Chaplains of our seven denominations.

Their ministry from WWI to today is a roll call of honored men who lived a “righteous life.” With that in mind I am delighted to announce a new tool to support our young men preparing for the Chaplaincy: the “Chaplain William B. Leonard, Jr. Scholarship Fund.” The member denominations of the PRJC have never enjoyed such a tool to encourage their young men who often face daunting financial challenges, especially in seminary.

Bill Leonard was a US Navy Chaplain during the Korean War and, once he left the military, began a sterling career as a pastor in several locations. His last years of pastoral service included planting two churches in Colorado Springs – Grace Evangelical and Village Seven Presbyterian.

The amazing thing is that while a full-time pastor he also concurrently served many years as the Chaplain endorser for several denominations: the Bible Presbyterian, Evangelical Presbyterian, Reformed Presbyterian (Evangelical Synod), Orthodox Presbyterian, Reformed Presbyterian (North American Synod) and the Presbyterian Church in America. He and his much-loved wife, Helen, traveled all over the world (often at their own expense) to care for the Chaplains under their care. One of his sons, Stephen, is also a retired Army Chaplain.

Many of our “Chaplain Champion” supporters wonder how they can tangibly encourage our young men…this is a significant new way you can inspire men who hope to serve as Chaplains. Gifts can simply be designated “Leonard Fund” when you give to Chaplain Ministries (www.PRJC.net). We hope the spiritual legacy of Bill Leonard will continue in the lives of new men God is calling as Chaplains…and that new, righteous, gray-haired men will follow in Bill’s steps!