Four Chaplains Memorial of York County

A nonprofit organization

$700 raised by 5 donors

23% complete

$3,000 Goal

The Four Chaplains Memorial of York County exists to preserve one of the most powerful stories of sacrifice in American history—and to turn that story into action right here in our community.

On February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed in the icy North Atlantic during World War II. As the ship sank, four U.S. Army chaplains—Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Father John P. Washington, Reverend George L. Fox, and Reverend Clark V. Poling—gave up their life jackets so others might live. Linking arms in prayer, they went down with the ship. Of the 902 men aboard, only 230 survived.

Their legacy is not just history. It is a standard.

Today, the Four Chaplains Memorial of York County brings that standard to life through education, community engagement, and direct investment in the next generation. Board members actively work with local schools, sharing the chaplains’ story and challenging students to lead with courage, unity, and service above self.

Each year, hundreds of students experience that message firsthand through the Youth Breakfast—an extension of the Annual Prayer Breakfast that removes barriers and ensures young people across York County can attend at no cost. For many, it’s more than an event—it’s a moment that reshapes how they think about leadership and responsibility.

Through its scholarship program, the organization continues that impact—providing meaningful financial support to students from York County schools who embody the same values the chaplains lived out in their final moments.

This is where Give Local York matters.

Your support directly fuels:
• Free access for hundreds of local students to attend the Youth Breakfast
• Scholarships that invest in future leaders across York County
• Ongoing educational outreach that keeps this story alive in classrooms and communities

This isn’t just about honoring the past.
It’s about building a community that reflects it.

On Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, the 34th Annual Prayer Breakfast will once again bring York County together—but the impact starts now.

If you believe in courage over comfort, unity over division, and service above self—this is your opportunity to give those values a future.

Give Local. Give with purpose. Give to the Four Chaplains Memorial of York County.

Learn more or donate at www.fourchaplainsyork.org.

Giving Activity

Mission

The Four Chaplains’ Memorial of York County commemorates and honors the service of the Four Chaplains who sacrificed their lives on board the U.S.A.T. Dorchester in World War II.