A candle was lit honoring the birthdays of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson at the Charles S. Stewart Chapter 2390 meeting Jan. 14 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Foley.

Many activities honoring these two men will be held through out our area. Members are urged to attend any or all and to remember it is honoring their heritage. Lee’s birthday once was a state holiday.

Club President Mary Beth Majesty welcomed members and two guests, Tara Smith of Molino and Jack Jenkins of Elberta.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to member Barbara McCamish, also celebrating a January birthday.

Majesty encouraged members to sign “Get Well” and “Thank You” cards for our active servicemen and those in VA Hospitals.

She gave a report on the Southern District meeting held Jan. 12 at Greenville, and announced that March 15 is the annual meeting of Mobile Bay District.

McCamish announced her candidacy and asked for chapter endorsement in her seeking the office of Alabama Division recording secretary. Majesty granted the endorsement through acclamation.

A vote of acceptance will be needed at the February meeting for three suggested names for the chapter’s newly sponsored C of C chapter. The deciding vote also will take place at the February meeting.

A White Elephant sale will be held at the next meeting, with proceeds to be used to buy a Chapter brick to honor Charles S. Stewart, which will be placed at Beauvoir’s Confederate Cemetery in Biloxi. This project is a part of the restoration of the property damaged by Hurricane Ivan.

Billie Barnthouse, program presenter for the meeting, used segments of Historian General’s program which appeared in the UDC Magazine in December, and added a personal touch with original letters and photos of her own ancestors, both Confederate and Union, along with family members who served in other wars.

Barnthouse said that veterans of all races become a part of the Confederate reunions. A poem, “Coat of Gray” by Caroline Augusta Ball, was read by Barbara Jenkins. The upcoming meeting will be held Feb. 11 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 10:30 a.m. Members are encouraged to attend, and interested visitors are welcome. For more information call Mary Beth Majesty 961-2127.