Civil War remembered through letters and song
‘ABIDE WITH ME’ — The Liberty Chamber Singers delighted the audience at ‘Far from Fields of Glory: Letters and Music of the Civil War’ Thursday night singing songs from the 1800s between readings of actual letters from Civil War soldiers.
“But, oh Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -— amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours — always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.”
Major Sullivan Ballou of the US Army, who was killed at the Battle of First Manassas in late July of 1861, in a letter to his wife.
In the reader’s theater event presented by the National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum, Dr. Michael Graves and Dr. Darlene Graves read letters written to and from soldiers during the Civil War. They also provided historical background information about the author and recipient of each letter. The Liberty University Chamber Singers sang Civil War-era songs and hymns, accompanied by piano. The event was held in the Tower Theater at Campus North Nov. 11.
The National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum is located beside Doc’s Diner on Liberty’s Campus East. The museum’s mission is to educate the public about the role of chaplains, priests and rabbis and religious organizations in the Civil War, according to the museum’s website, Chaplainsmuseum.org. The museum also strives to preserve religious artifacts from the war and to promote the study of moral and religious teachings during that time and its effects on the military. Visit Chapalinsmusum.org or call (434)-582-2087 for the museum’s hours of operation.