27 Feb 2021 Ruthville, VA
During the Service a member of the congregation pointed out an eagle soaring low over those gathered.
27 Feb 2021 Ruthville, VA The Virginia SAR, in celebration of the contribution of People of Color to our struggle for independence, jointly with the congregation of Elam Baptist Church in Ruthville, conducted a Black History Service at the church cemetery. In 2008, under the leadership of then Virginia SAR President Joe Dooley, placed a monument to 26 Patriots of Color from the community at this same location. The 26 names do not represent all people of color who support our independence, but comprise those known in 2008 and all were free Black Men. Paul Walden was the Master of Ceremonies and Virginia SAR President Jeff Thomas gave greetings. Rev. Helen Washington-Randall, Pastor of Elam Baptist Church, served as Chaplain for the service. Judith Ledbetter, Director of the Charles City County Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, spoke on the history of these 26 Patriots and a descendant of one of the patriots spoke of his ancestor. The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter was represented by President Charles Jameson and Bill Schwetke who both participated in the Color Guard. During the Service a member of the congregation pointed out an eagle soaring low over those gathered. Coverage in the Culpeper Star-Exponent
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