‘The Day the War Stopped’

    

Scott Clause/Feliciana 31

This one is killin’ me.

I’m a New York Mason; I’m currently in Louisiana; I’m also at labor in Civil War Lodge of Research 1865; and I still won’t be able to get to see The Day the War Ended!

This annual re-enactment of a Masonic moment during the Civil War takes place in St. Francisville, Louisiana in June. My trip to New Orleans for the Grotto Supreme Council happens to coincide.

The history tells of Bro. John Elliot Hart, of St. George’s Lodge 6 in New York, commanding officer of the USS Albatross, dying onboard his ship. A messenger was sent ashore to ask about the possibility of a burial, particularly a Masonic funeral. Confederate Army Capt. William W. Leake, Senior Warden of Feliciana Lodge 31, got word of it, and arranged a Masonic burial for his brother in the opposing naval force besieging his state for control of the Mississippi River.

Click here to read how Country Roads magazine describes it.

On Saturday, Masons from both Feliciana 31 and St. George’s 6 will re-enact that learning moment as part of a daylong celebration of local history and culture. Here is the itinerary:

Saturday, June 8

Downtown St. Francisville

All Day: Lodge Tours

Feliciana Lodge 31

Prosperity Street

9 a.m. National Anthem and Welcome

Feliciana Lodge 31

9:30 “The Day the War Stopped”

Jackson Hall, Grace Episcopal Church

10 a.m. Historical Re-enactment and Graveside Histories

Corner of Prosperity and Ferdinand streets and into Grace Episcopal Cemetery

11:30 to 1 p.m. Sixth Annual Jambalaya Cook-Off

Courthouse Grounds (across from lodge)

Noon to 2

Vintage Dancing and Music

Jackson Hall, Grace Episcopal Church

1 p.m. Jambalaya and Raffle Winners

Feliciana Lodge

1:30 to 2 Closing of the Lodge

6 to 10 p.m. Gala (music, food & drinks) $25

Magnolia Café

It’s a two-hour, 100+ mile drive each way—and I don’t have a car. So close, yet so far. Well, there’s always the Grotto’s Clown and Balloon Competition. Just as good.

It’ll be fine. I’m okay. D’oh!