Wednesday, January 28, 2004

This Lee had a birthday

After hearing a recent news report that spray-painting thugs had vandalized a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Va., I was tempted to write a few negative comments about some of the groups who inspire this type of hatred, But I decided instead to relate a story I once read about Gen. Lee.

On a hot Sunday in June, just after his surrender, Gen. Lee was attending a communion service at St. Paul’s Church in Richmond. The Rev. Dr. Charles Minnegerode was at that time rector and invited those present to come forward to receive communion.

The first to stand was a tall, neatly dressed black man. He walked to the front of the church and kneeled at the communion rail.

One who was in attendance later commented, “Its effect upon the communicants was startling, and for several moments they retained their seats in solemn silence and did not move, being deeply chagrined at this attempt to inaugurate the ‘new regime’ to offend and humiliate them. Dr. Minnegerode was evidently embarrassed.”

As the spirit of the astonished and agitated congregation grew tenser with each passing moment, another tall figure rose and made his way towards the altar. It was none other than Gen. Lee.

Lee calmly knelt next to his black brother and restored ease and grace to the rebuked assembly. Those gathered followed Lee’s example and walked slowly forward, no doubt chastened by Lee’s silent, but powerful example of reconciliation.

I know that this devout Christian gentleman had a happy birthday on Monday, Jan. 19.

Roy Butts

Tyrone, Ga.