Lee May 1865

[David H.]

Yesterday on the Military History Channel I watched a 2 hour program on all that happened during April 1865, including the fall of Richmond, Appomattox, the Lincoln assassination, first attempts at reconstruction. Historians such as Gary Gallagher were spokespersons on the program. In one of the final events, it showed a church in Virginia in May 1865 where an older black man got up from his seat in the balcony, walked downstairs and up to the communion rail, where he then knelt. Several minutes went by, the pastor did not move nor did anyone else. Then a distinguished older white man with a white beard got up, walked to the communion rail, and knelt down next the black man. The pastor then gave the 2 men communion, and eventually the rest of the congregation followed.

That older white man was Robert E. Lee. Any thoughts?

 

[BuckeyeWarrior]

Yesterday on the Military History Channel I watched a 2 hour program on all that happened during April 1865, including the fall of Richmond, Appomattox, the Lincoln assassination, first attempts at reconstruction. Historians such as Gary Gallagher were spokespersons on the program. In one of the final events, it showed a church in Virginia in May 1865 where an older black man got up from his seat in the balcony, walked downstairs and up to the communion rail, where he then knelt. Several minutes went by, the pastor did not move nor did anyone else. Then a distinguished older white man with a white beard got up, walked to the communion rail, and knelt down next the black man. The pastor then gave the 2 men communion, and eventually the rest of the congregation followed.

That older white man was Robert E. Lee. Any thoughts?

I've seen that story several times and the evidence for it is very thin. From the sources I've read the first time it appeared was in 1905 in an issue of confederate veteran. That story has a different take on it though.


NEGRO COMMUNED AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH," CONFEDERATE VETERAN, 13 (AUGUST 1905): 360. "Col. T. L. Broun, of Charleston, W. Va., writes of having been present at St. Paul's Church, Richmond, Va., just after the war when a negro marched to the communion table ahead of the congregation. His account of the event is as follows:

"Two months after the evacuation of Richmond business called me to Richmond for a few days, and on a Sunday morning in June, 1865, I attended St. Paul's Church. Dr. Minnegerode [sic] preached. It was communion day; and when the minister was ready to administer the holy communion, a negro in the church arose and advanced to the communion table. He was tall, well-dressed, and black. This was a great surprise and shock to the communicants and others present. 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 during their most devoted Church services. Dr. Minnegerode [sic] was evidently embarrassed.

General Robert E. Lee was present, and, ignoring the action and presence of the negro, arose in his usual dignified and self-possessed manner, walked up the aisle to the chancel rail, and reverently knelt down to partake of the communion, and not far from the negro. This lofty conception of duty by Gen. Lee under such provoking and irritating circumstances had a magic effect upon the other communicants (including the writer), who went forward to the communion table.

By this action of Gen. Lee the services were conducted as if the negro had not been present. It was a grand exhibition of superiority shown by a true Christian and great soldier under the most trying and offensive circumstances."

I find it hard to believe a black man would have even been allowed in a white church in Virginia in 1865. I think the whole story is very suspect.

 

[David H.]

I've seen that story several times and the evidence for it is very thin. From the sources I've read the first time it appeared was in 1905 in an issue of confederate veteran. That story has a different take on it though.


NEGRO COMMUNED AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH," CONFEDERATE VETERAN, 13 (AUGUST 1905): 360. "Col. T. L. Broun, of Charleston, W. Va., writes of having been present at St. Paul's Church, Richmond, Va., just after the war when a negro marched to the communion table ahead of the congregation. His account of the event is as follows:

"Two months after the evacuation of Richmond business called me to Richmond for a few days, and on a Sunday morning in June, 1865, I attended St. Paul's Church. Dr. Minnegerode [sic] preached. It was communion day; and when the minister was ready to administer the holy communion, a negro in the church arose and advanced to the communion table. He was tall, well-dressed, and black. This was a great surprise and shock to the communicants and others present. 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 during their most devoted Church services. Dr. Minnegerode [sic] was evidently embarrassed.

General Robert E. Lee was present, and, ignoring the action and presence of the negro, arose in his usual dignified and self-possessed manner, walked up the aisle to the chancel rail, and reverently knelt down to partake of the communion, and not far from the negro. This lofty conception of duty by Gen. Lee under such provoking and irritating circumstances had a magic effect upon the other communicants (including the writer), who went forward to the communion table.

By this action of Gen. Lee the services were conducted as if the negro had not been present. It was a grand exhibition of superiority shown by a true Christian and great soldier under the most trying and offensive circumstances."

I find it hard to believe a black man would have even been allowed in a white church in Virginia in 1865. I think the whole story is very suspect.

This account gives a different perspective indeed. Thank you

 

[Lubliner]

If this account in the Confederate Veteran was suspect of good faith and fidelity, I would likewise suspect it to be hotly contested by fellow-members. Of course the overriding principle of 'tall-tales' is their ability to circumvent truth for moral motive.
Lubliner.