The Robert F. Hoke Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy held its Lee-Jackson-Maury Luncheon, a tradition since 1992, on Jan. 14 at the Rowan Public Library.
President Trudy Hall began the remembrance when candles were lighted on a cake and the assembly sang “Happy Birthday” to Matthew Fontaine Maury, born Jan. 14, 1806; Robert Edward Lee, born Jan. 19, 1807; and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, born Jan. 21, 1824.
A prayer used daily by Commodore Maury for 34 years was read by Sandra Boyer as the invocation, and N.C. Division Chaplain Gail Sifford read the poem “Birthdays of Lee and Jackson.”
Past President Sue Curtis told about the hen that provided eggs for Gen. Robert E. Lee for more than a year during the Civil War before meeting an untimely death; the lemons that General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was reportedly so fond of; and Commodore Matthew F. Maury’s nautical fame for his study of ocean currents.
Honorary Associate Member Ed Curtis gave the introduction of the speaker, who talked about the importance of music during the war before leading the audience in several favorite songs.
Debbie Suggs catered the event, which included chicken, lemons and salt for the men being remembered. Theme-related door prizes were won by guests who then read a special message on each. Cindy Webb gave the benediction, a prayer written by Ex-President General Mrs. John Williams, prior to the assembly joining hands and singing “Bless Be the Tie That Binds.”
Even though snow and ice kept some from attending, members, spouses and children from the Butner, Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Graham, Greensboro, Lexington, Newton and Statesville chapters joined the Hoke members in the camaraderie.
Special guests were past Division presidents and current General Officers Faye Neville, Emily Champion and Ruthann Bond. In addition, Andy Shores made an appearance as Gen. Lee. Guests were provided with souvenir programs, place mats and song books.