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This weekend is celebrated each year in St. Francisville to remember the honor of Confederate and Southern men. As the town was being shelled from a Northern gunboat, the captain became very ill with a high fever. Apparently he knew his death was very near so he told his officers that he did not want to be buried in water - he wanted to be buried in the earth. At his death, the men had heard that St. Francisville was home to a Masonic Lodge and the officers were all Masons. Under a flag of truce, they asked the lodge members if their Captain John Hart might be buried in the cemetery with Masonic rituals and proper burial. Masonic Senior Warden W.W. Leake agreed and the captain was given an Episcopal funeral followed by the Masonic rituals. For that one day, the War Stopped in St. Francisville.
The convention began early on Saturday morning with members and their adults meeting at the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, which wraps around 3 sides of the church. Members were arranged in teams and given Confederate Battle Flags to be placed on the over 300 Confederate Veterans buried there. Mr. Paul Martin had sections of the graves lined out for the teams, listing names on the stones and location of the graves. And the members went to work! Each grave was located in the sections of that very large cemetery and a Flag placed beside it. It was hard work for the children, but they all knew that part of being a CofC member was to remember and honor our Confederate Veterans. Bottles of cold water were welcomed after all 300 plus graves were so honored. What a good job these members did!
A presentation of Vintage Music was then enjoyed at the Church’s Jackson Hall. And it was air-conditioned, that felt so good to rest in cool air. After the musical concert, Vintage Dancers performed period dances and many CofC members were invited to learn. Each CofC truly enjoyed learning how our ancestors danced.
The rains began as the re-enactment of the burial of Commandar John Hart began. Many ran for shelter but most of our CofC members enjoyed the cooling rain. And slowly, the clouds began to move away. The sun began to peek out as our CofC members and their adults gathered at the Confederate Monument. A remembrance ceremony for the Confederate Veterans was conducted by the members, ending with the placement of a wreath in their honor. As pictures were being taken, the men who participated in the re-enactment came forward to honor our CofC members with rounds of rifle fire. The children were impresses to be saluted in such a way.
Supper that evening was pizza, enjoyed by all. Back to the hotel for cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate the June birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
The convention began early on Saturday morning with members and their adults meeting at the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, which wraps around 3 sides of the church. Members were arranged in teams and given Confederate Battle Flags to be placed on the over 300 Confederate Veterans buried there. Mr. Paul Martin had sections of the graves lined out for the teams, listing names on the stones and location of the graves. And the members went to work! Each grave was located in the sections of that very large cemetery and a Flag placed beside it. It was hard work for the children, but they all knew that part of being a CofC member was to remember and honor our Confederate Veterans. Bottles of cold water were welcomed after all 300 plus graves were so honored. What a good job these members did!
A presentation of Vintage Music was then enjoyed at the Church’s Jackson Hall. And it was air-conditioned, that felt so good to rest in cool air. After the musical concert, Vintage Dancers performed period dances and many CofC members were invited to learn. Each CofC truly enjoyed learning how our ancestors danced.
The rains began as the re-enactment of the burial of Commandar John Hart began. Many ran for shelter but most of our CofC members enjoyed the cooling rain. And slowly, the clouds began to move away. The sun began to peek out as our CofC members and their adults gathered at the Confederate Monument. A remembrance ceremony for the Confederate Veterans was conducted by the members, ending with the placement of a wreath in their honor. As pictures were being taken, the men who participated in the re-enactment came forward to honor our CofC members with rounds of rifle fire. The children were impresses to be saluted in such a way.
Supper that evening was pizza, enjoyed by all. Back to the hotel for cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate the June birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
CofC 2015 Louisiana Convention
Sunday, June 14th
Members and adults gathered at the West Feliciana Parish Library for the final day of convention. The passing of the Division President’s Gavel from Immediate Past President, Remington Miller, to Presiding President, Collin Jacks, was called to order. Flags were presented by UDC members followed by the Pledge, Salutes, songs, CofC Ritual and Creed.
The welcome was given by President Jacks and introduction of special guest, Mrs. A.J. Taylor, Louisiana Division President of the UDC. Mrs. Taylor expressed her support of CofC and honored to be invited to attend our convention. She brought greetings from the UDC and wish for a successful and enjoyable convention.
Then introduced was another special guest, Mr. Thomas Taylor, Commander of the Louisiana SCV. He brought greetings from all SCV Camps across Louisiana and stated their support of CofC.
Business then began with the appointment of Convention Parliamentarian Ms. Monique Faucheux, presentation and acceptance of the Convention Program with necessary corrections, Roll Call of officers and chapters.
After a short recess, the Memorial Service, under the direction of Division Chaplain Mr. Jarrod Tauzin was conducted. The wreath was honorably carried by Chairman of Pages, Miss Skyler Williams, and wreath pages Miss Bella Frederick and Miss Aubrey Doll and placed at the head of the room. The Invocation, songs, prayers and the Responsive Reading were then recited.
Memorials were then given:
Memorial to the Confederate Veteran by Mr. Nicholas Gonzales
Memorial to Veterans of All Wars by Miss Remington Miller
Memorial to United Daughters of the Confederacy by Miss Bailey Gonzales
Memorial to Sons of Confederate Veterans by Mr. Collin Jacks
Memorial to Children of the Confederacy by Miss Christian Shepard
After each memorial was read with reverence and honor, a candle was lit and placed in an arched holder. Of course after the service, time was taken for special pictures.
Next on the order of business was the fun time of the Catechism Quiz. Mrs. Naomi Doll was score and time keeper and gave all instructions. As Division Second Vice President, Mr. Nicholas Gonzales, presided over the quizzes. The three age catagories are Pre-Junior 6 years or younger, Junior 7 through 12 years and Senior 13 years and up. Each group was conducted and winner announced and certificate awarded.
Officer reports were then read, beginning with Division President Mr. Collin Jacks, followed by remaining officers. It is a joy to report that every Division was present to read their yearly report.
A lunch break of Subway sandwiches, chips and drink were enjoyed by all attending.
Now the time had come for the presentation of individual and chapter awards that were presented by President Jacks. Each chapter represented received certificates and everyone was very proud of their work and accomplishments during the year.
The 2015-2016 Nominating Committee report was given by Division Director, Ms. Carol Johnston. All were elected by acclamation.
President – Mr. Nicholas Gonzales
Vice President – Miss Skyler Williams
2nd Vice President – Mr. Collin Jacks
3rd Vice President – Miss Maddison Ezell
Secretary – Mr. David Jacks
Treasurer – Miss Bella Frederick
Historian – Miss Bailey Gonzales
Chaplain – Mr. Clay Jacks
Custodian of Flags – Miss Isabella Miller
Zouave Newsletter Editor – Miss Remington Miller
All newly elected officers were brought to the front of the room to be installed by Mrs. A.J. Taylor in a special ceremony, after which they were introduced to all in attendance.
The invitation for the 2016 convention was issued and with no further business, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” was sung by all and the convention was declared adjourned for 2015.
The welcome was given by President Jacks and introduction of special guest, Mrs. A.J. Taylor, Louisiana Division President of the UDC. Mrs. Taylor expressed her support of CofC and honored to be invited to attend our convention. She brought greetings from the UDC and wish for a successful and enjoyable convention.
Then introduced was another special guest, Mr. Thomas Taylor, Commander of the Louisiana SCV. He brought greetings from all SCV Camps across Louisiana and stated their support of CofC.
Business then began with the appointment of Convention Parliamentarian Ms. Monique Faucheux, presentation and acceptance of the Convention Program with necessary corrections, Roll Call of officers and chapters.
After a short recess, the Memorial Service, under the direction of Division Chaplain Mr. Jarrod Tauzin was conducted. The wreath was honorably carried by Chairman of Pages, Miss Skyler Williams, and wreath pages Miss Bella Frederick and Miss Aubrey Doll and placed at the head of the room. The Invocation, songs, prayers and the Responsive Reading were then recited.
Memorials were then given:
Memorial to the Confederate Veteran by Mr. Nicholas Gonzales
Memorial to Veterans of All Wars by Miss Remington Miller
Memorial to United Daughters of the Confederacy by Miss Bailey Gonzales
Memorial to Sons of Confederate Veterans by Mr. Collin Jacks
Memorial to Children of the Confederacy by Miss Christian Shepard
After each memorial was read with reverence and honor, a candle was lit and placed in an arched holder. Of course after the service, time was taken for special pictures.
Next on the order of business was the fun time of the Catechism Quiz. Mrs. Naomi Doll was score and time keeper and gave all instructions. As Division Second Vice President, Mr. Nicholas Gonzales, presided over the quizzes. The three age catagories are Pre-Junior 6 years or younger, Junior 7 through 12 years and Senior 13 years and up. Each group was conducted and winner announced and certificate awarded.
Officer reports were then read, beginning with Division President Mr. Collin Jacks, followed by remaining officers. It is a joy to report that every Division was present to read their yearly report.
A lunch break of Subway sandwiches, chips and drink were enjoyed by all attending.
Now the time had come for the presentation of individual and chapter awards that were presented by President Jacks. Each chapter represented received certificates and everyone was very proud of their work and accomplishments during the year.
The 2015-2016 Nominating Committee report was given by Division Director, Ms. Carol Johnston. All were elected by acclamation.
President – Mr. Nicholas Gonzales
Vice President – Miss Skyler Williams
2nd Vice President – Mr. Collin Jacks
3rd Vice President – Miss Maddison Ezell
Secretary – Mr. David Jacks
Treasurer – Miss Bella Frederick
Historian – Miss Bailey Gonzales
Chaplain – Mr. Clay Jacks
Custodian of Flags – Miss Isabella Miller
Zouave Newsletter Editor – Miss Remington Miller
All newly elected officers were brought to the front of the room to be installed by Mrs. A.J. Taylor in a special ceremony, after which they were introduced to all in attendance.
The invitation for the 2016 convention was issued and with no further business, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” was sung by all and the convention was declared adjourned for 2015.
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This was the winning poem of the convention, “The Day the War Stopped” by Miss Remington Miller
The day the War stopped On the battle front, Was not the same day, The War stopped at home. For one day, Just one, We came together, Setting down our guns. Because for once, the color Of your uniform didn’t matter, Because losing a life hurt, No matter whose side you were on. Defending the definition of honor, A captain was buried, Thought origination from the union, Confederates and Yankees stood side-by-side. War raged on, But one won’t forget, The grace of God’s Hand as He led, Both sides to throw dirt on top of him. For the dead, Though here no longer, Still deserve All of our honor. Soldiers were not bitter or rude, Because they were men too, All of them losing, more than a War, But family and friends. On one day, There was peace And humble unity, Guns laid down, fight aside, To pray for one Whom had died. The day the war stopped, Allowed peace and love, To fly above all. A special thank you to Mr. Tom Jacks for generously sharing many of his photographs. |
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