The Robert F. Hoke Chapter No. 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy held its annual Lee-Jackson-Maury Luncheon Jan. 16 in the Stanback Auditorium, Rowan Public Library.
Since 1992 the Chapter has annually remembered the January birthdays of these three men who served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy prior to their service to the Confederate States of America. Matthew Fontaine Maury was born Jan. 14, 1806; Robert Edward Lee, Jan. 19, 1807; and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, Jan. 21, 1824.
A birthday cake decorated with military figurines was the centerpiece as the members sang “Happy Birthday” to Lee, Jackson and Maury.
UDC members registered from Butner, Greensboro, Charlotte, Concord, Jacksonville, Newton, Raleigh and Shelby. North Carolina Division President Emily Champion, from Butner, along with the recorder of military service awards, Laura Pope, from Selma, joined in the festivities.
Hoke Chapter President Sue Curtis welcomed the assembly including guest Dr. Gary Freeze. The history of Lee’s visit to Salisbury in 1870 and the visit of the widow of Stonewall Jackson in 1909 for the Confederate Monument dedication were reviewed. Barbara Upright, second vice-president, read the poem, “Birthdays of Lee and Jackson.” The Hoke Chapter’s newest member, Sandra Boyer, gave the blessing, which was a prayer used for 34 years by Commodore Maury. Trudy Hall, vice-president, gave the benediction.
Caterer Debbie Suggs served chicken in acknowledgement of the hen that traveled with Lee and his staff during 1863-1864, lemon cake for the reported fondness that Jackson had for that fruit and packets of salt for Commodore Maury’s nautical background.
Guest speaker Terry Holt, retired educator and local historian, was introduced by honorary associate member Ed Curtis. Holt’s talk included insights into the achievements of Commodore Maury prior to the War Between the States, Lee’s burial and the coat of Stonewall Jackson.
The luncheon concluded with an invitation to everyone to return to Salisbury for the Lee-Jackson-Maury Luncheon next year and the singing of “Bless Be the Tie That Binds.”