Rivers Bridge Camp No. 842 Sons of Confederate Veterans |
"It is our duty to keep the memory of our heroes green..." Jefferson Davis |
Rivers Bridge Camp No. 842 members photographed at the 2004 Rivers Bridge Memorial. A number of these compatriots have crossed over the river in the intervening sixteen years. |
This is their heritage too. It is your duty to present the history of the South to future generations. |
Greetings to the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association members and friends; We did it !!! Our annual commemoration was conducted despite all of the obstacles that we had to face. Bart Chassereau came through for us and helped us take advantage of the Varn's generous offer to hold our event at Broxton Bridge Plantation. Our Chaplain Charles Carlson, conducted a thoughtful religious service and the superb music provided by Dr. Jim Dreyfuss along with Edward Floyd's golden voice was a joy to hear. My thanks also go out to Mrs. Betty Jane Miller, the other ladies of the UDC, and to Commander Peter Boineau, Compatriot Donnie Webster, and the men of the SCV. Captain Fred Polston and the men of the 10th SC Volunteer Infantry, along with the men of the 3rd SC Cavalry and the "Georgia men," provided a memorable salute at the little cemetery along the banks of the Salkehatchie near Bateau Landing. Jerry Chesser and Bart Chassereau delivered a poignant service at the cemetery, which was witnessed by many members of the Association and their friends. The ceremonial volleys that were fired under Captain Polston's command were perfect. I want to thank the officers of the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association, Vice-President Charles Lafitte, Secretary Durena Hiers, Treasurer Bob Connelly, and Chaplain Charles Carlson for their patience with me as I wound my way through the logistics of the CV 19 guidelines. I could not have done it without them. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the other members and friends of the Memorial Association who attended and followed the social distancing rules from Governor McMasters. I would also like to thank Rangers Russ and Brendan for their guidance, as well as PRT Cultural Resources Manager, Dan Bell, who made the trip from Charleston for the wreath laying ceremony at the Rivers Bridge Memorial Grounds. Finally, I would like to thank Craig Wix for his video work, capturing our ceremonies for posterity. Also, a shout out to Jessica Phillips who captured some of the most beautiful digital images of our program that I have ever seen. I can't wait to see Craig's finished product. We will announce when it will be released to the public. I am blessed beyond my worthiness. With warmest regards, Jerry Morris President, RBCMA |
Compatriots who have "crossed over the river" since Camp No. 842's Re-chartering in 1995. Edgar Boyles – Real Son James Boyles – Real Son Williams Boyles – Real Son Murice Cave – Real Son Owen W. Barker, Sr. – Real Son Stanley Ward G. Horace Cone Francis Stanley Clark Ryder James J. Jowers Robert E. Connelly, Sr. Alfred Ken Formby R. Loyd Sandifer Stanley O. “Gus” Eubanks Stephan A. Lewis Jerome Wilson Sammy Lee Jack Horger Burney Chappell Sandy A. Jennings G.D. "Jerry" Varn, Jr. Mannie G. "Mickey" Smith III |
David Keller James Dunbar “Bars” Ray H. Gregory Hiers William P. Edenfield Gene Stanley Harold DuPree Crim Robert F. “Bob” Loadholt, Sr. George Harold “Rip” Kearse J.V. “Joe” Braxton Dr. Eugene Gehry, Jr. Kenny Cone Barry Sheetz Derriel Champagne Glenn Cope Robert E. Connelly, Jr. John Miles Loadholt Jasper Brabham Varn, Jr. Claude Ashton Manuel Francis Marion Dwight III John Mack Barnes Douglas Mitchell Gore, Jr. James Herman Smith |
Deo Vindice |
We have always maintained that difficult times are nothing new to Southerners. As evidence we particularly look to the period 1861-1865 and the ten years following which is commonly but questionably called "Reconstruction." Some folks seemingly get irritated with us because we do not look back on these times with a proper attitude of defeat, but rather a sense of pride that they cannot fathom. Can I explain it? Not to the satisfaction of all; let us just say it seems to be something in our Southern makeup. Many of us choose to look back upon the challenging times which faced the South and recall that, “In the midst of disasters, and under the thickening gloom of war clouds, the people of the South lifted up their voices to Him that rules the nations.” President Davis, in accordance with a resolution of the Confederate Congress, appointed the 10th day of March 1865 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, with thanksgiving. In the spirit of a Christian patriot he addressed his proclamation to the suffering people of the Confederate States; we can now, from our vantage point, appreciate how meaningful and appropriate the sentiment would become for a defeated South. It read, "It is our solemn duty, at all times, and more especially in a season of public trial and adversity, to acknowledge our dependence on His mercy, and to bow in humble submission before His footstool, confessing our manifold sins, supplicating His gracious pardon, imploring His divine help, and devoutly rendering thanks for the many and great blessings which he has vouchsafed to us. Let the hearts of our people turn contritely and trustfully unto God; let us recognize in his chastening hand the correction of a Father, and submissively pray that the trials and sufferings which have so long borne heavily upon us may be turned away by his merciful love; that his sustaining grace be given to our people, and his Divine wisdom imparted to our rulers; that the Lord of Hosts will be with our armies, and fight for us against our enemies; and that he will graciously take our cause into his own hand and mercifully establish for us a lasting, just, and honorable peace and independence. And let us not forget to render unto his holy name the thanks and praise which are so justly due for his great goodness and for the many mercies which he has extended to us amid the trials and sufferings of protracted and bloody war." When we consider the evil that was visited upon the South during “so called reconstruction,” we are apt to develop a spirit of anger and ill will toward the perpetrators of it. But, to kindle anger for past wrongs is not our purpose; rather, We want us to appreciate better what our ancestors endured and to realize the source of the strength that enabled them to carry on. We read of the Great Revivals in the Southern Army and find that a great number of our soldiers in gray took comfort in and received strength from the promises of God. It was written that, “Thousands who were participants in that glorious and, to some, strange work, have passed the flood of death and are seen no more among men, but the seed they sowed in trench and camp and hospital, in the bivouac, and on the weary march, was watered from above and has borne a rich harvest.” Many who survived the war returned home with their new-found faith to supplement that of their families as church leaders and pastors. With hope and strength derived from their trust in God the South survived and in time even began to flourish. We are here today to remember. We are here to remember the soldiers and their sacrifice; we are here to remember the families who joined with their returning soldiers, sustained by a steadfast trust in God, to resurrect and bring new life to the South. And we are here to remember that the same God that they trusted, He that is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, is the same God who will deliver us in our present time of trouble. Our ancestors heard these words in their day and they are still relevant today. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee” (Ps. 42:5-6). I have always loved Robert E. Lee’s favorite hymn; How Firm a Foundation. The last stanza I find particularly reassuring; “The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!” Let us today truly remember and be inspired by the example of those gone before and be comforted that though We know not what the future holds, we do know who holds the future. |
A Time to Remember |
No Annual Banquet 2020 Circumstances prevented us this year from celebrating as usual our Annual Banquet. Typically we would have had a special event with a featured speaker, a catered dinner, and the honored presence of all the wives of our Compatriots. At this time we would have recalled the memory of those of our membership who have crossed over the river this year and back to our rechartering in 1995. Also our Compatriot of the Year would be recognized and the drawing for our raffle prize would be made. At last we were able to draw for our raffle winner and it turned out to be Compatriot Ira Beach. It is nice to have a winner from within the Camp and since Ira was not present, the Adjutant had the pleasure of notifying him of his good fortune. We thank our Camp members for remaining stedfast and being an encouragement with one another during these difficult time. Looking forward to the day that we can return to normal operations, we give thanks for the blessings of the past. |
144th Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Day Celebration |
Good Memories of Barker's Mill with Dr. Jim Dreyfus |
The Beginning |
Completed! |
David Keller |
A Fond Look Back |
Albert Jackson |
"Frank Mixon" |
"Fiscal Responsiblity Award" |
Hunter Safety Course |
Guest "Jeb Stuart" |
Ready to receive guests |
Mmm, mmm, smell that BBQ |
Mind if I smoke? |
Smyrna Church |
Smyrna Church |
Edisto Crossing Monument/Flag |
"The Old Guard" |
"A Few Good Men" |
Officers 2010 |
Compatriot of the Year Herman Smith |
Compatriot of the Year John Barnes |
Compatriot of the Year "Buzz" Braxton |
Officers 2011 |