For the last few years, we have put on a "Jackson-Lee Party" in honor of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson. Since Lee's birthday is on January 19th, and Stonewall's is on the 21st, January 20th is celebrated (at least in the South) as "Jackson Lee Day". These two great Christians deserve more respect than modern history gives them.
We have traditionally cleared out part of our office for a dance floor, but this year we were able to rent a hall for the evening. We came in the afternoon to decorate and prepare the dinner before the guests arrived. The dancing started about 4:30, and we practiced a few new dances before starting into the official program. Some of our favorite dances are the Grand March, Virginia Reel, Post Jig, and the Spanish Waltz. At 6:30, we went to the dining hall for the Civil War-period dinner. After dinner, we sang some hymns from the 19th century, including "How Firm a Foundation" and "Rock of Ages", the favorite hymns of Lee and J.E.B. Stuart. I read a few quotes from Lee and Jackson to finish the singing time. After singing, we resumed dancing and continued until about 10:00, and then we began to clean up.
The live music for the second dance. Andrew on bones, Joseph on hammered dulcimer, and Bryan playing guitar.
Dancing the Civil War-period Virginia Reel as seen from the hall's balcony.
The dining hall being set in the afternoon, and during the dinner.
Some of the girls waiting for the dance to begin.
January 28, 2003 by Daniel Forster.
