This morning I finished another church chapter, St. George’s Episcopal, for the ‘Houses of the Holy’ manuscript. Next up is Fredericksburg Presbyterian and United Methodist before moving on to the outer congregations in Spotsylvania County. One of the most interesting aspects of this project (IMO) is the incorporation of the local slave and freed African-American experiences. In addition to the recollections of southern soldiers, civilians, and northern occupiers, this third-perspective has become a crucial part of my study.  To be honest, the race-relations side of history never really interested me, but as I mature as both a historian and a writer, I am finding it to be an important and far too neglected part of the Civil War narrative.

Therefore I am making a concerted effort to include the black citizen’s viewpoints for each church where applicable. I am finding some interesting differences in the way the events of the pre- and post-war era are remembered. Several of the African-Americans that I quote were children at the time of the war, and their views of the conflict, as well as the sudden changes in the social structure of Fredericksburg during Reconstruction, are much more positive and prosperous. Understandably, slave adults who escaped north prior to the battle(s) paint a much more bitter and painful portrayal of the town. Many served in the Union army as teamsters, and even soldiers, while others received an education and returned as ministers.

Although I have included several testimonies throughout the book, I was immediately drawn to two; extraordinary slave narratives that were published in the years following the war. Both outlined the pre- and post-war experiences of African-Americans in the local Episcopal Church. One was titled “Memorys of the Past” and was an autobiographical memoir of John Washington, a former slave describing his life, 1838-1862 in various places in Virginia especially Fredericksburg. Washington, who would later attend Shiloh Baptist (Old Site), recalled his early introduction into Christianity at St. George’s Church due to the insistence of his master. In Chapter 5 of his memoirs he recalled:

“The Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg is situated on the North East corner of Princess Ann and George Street surrounded on the North and East by the Grave Yard, Fronting on Princess Ann Street about Midway the square was a small one story brick in which I used to go to a Sunday School Sunday afternoon and was taught the cathacism and verses of the bible were read to us by heart. I do not think much good resulted from this School for we was not permitted to learn A.B.C. or to Spell. But Mrs. Taliaferro was most zealous in sending me to each such places on Sundays as she would by this Means know where I was by asking Miss Olive Hanson, My Teacher, by the way she was a most kind and gentle lady and I often think of her sweet face and blue ey[e]s, and feel a spark of gratitude for the efforts on her part, for I really know she would have learned me to read and wright if the law had permitted her so to do.”

The other was quoted from Joseph F. Walker, a former slave child who also published his own recollections. Walker recalled the ‘parental upbringing’ he experienced as a boy during the war years. In his memoirs, which were recorded by John J. Lanier, he describes his own path to salvation, as well as the dramatic appointments that were exposed to him as an adult:

“I became Sexton of St. George’s Church in 1878. I still continued to live with Judge Barton. My combined stipend as sexton of the Church and as Judge Barton’s Butler was $17.00 per month… My first religious impression was obtained from Mr. Cushionberry; from his having daily morning prayer. All the servants came to this service. I have kept it up ever since, and consider it one of the most valuable things I have derived from my Episcopalian friends.” (Walker continued to serve at St. George’s for years to come and also became a Senior Deacon at Shiloh Baptist, [New Site]. Over a period of 48 years he served 6 Rector’s through their entire terms of service.)

It is my hope that through the inclusion of these stories, I will be able to present a better-rounded and accurate picture of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of these historic congregations.

Over the last few days I’ve received several invitations for speaking engagements next year. In March, I’ll be appearing at the prestigious Lee’s Hill '55 Club (topic: TBD), and in April, I’ll be the guest speaker for that month’s SPC Community Lecture Series (topic: Historical Churches of Fredericksburg). June will have me at the third annual Gathering of Eagles in Winchester, and I have several radio spots lined up in between. Still, with baby Jackson arriving in under 8 weeks, I’m trying to limit my schedule to just a few events. I had to turn down a magnificent offer to be a guest lecturer at the 2008 Faith Writer’s Conference in Nashville Tennessee, but I hope to appear at the 2009 event.

There was a time when I regularly declined offers to do public speaking, but over the last year or so, it has become my favorite part of being a local author and historian here in Fredericksburg. The people that I have had the honor to talk to this year were extraordinary and I am so very thankful for their interest in my work. I especially like speaking to church groups as the intent of my message immediately goes above and beyond the usual secular Civil War talk.

My 'Faith Under Fire' program that I did for the Spotsylvania Presbyterian Men’s Ministry last month was responsible for these newest invitations and it has also manifested itself in several church-related projects. The idea of discipleship was the backbone of that talk as our church was just beginning a new series called 'The Discipleship Challenge'. Today we learned about the challenges of practicing charity and grace and had the opportunity to take a pledge to pray for an unchurched-adversary, or a person that we have recently had differences with. After last week's episode, I nominated a certain VA high school teacher on my card. In a nutshell, the 'Discipleship Pledge' is a promise to prayerfully consider an individual during our daily scripture study or meditations. It’s easier said than done, and I suspect that there will be some sarcastic posting somewhere poking fun at the act. However, this pledge is not about me, so I’ll take it.

The idea of using this genre of historical narrative to Witness for Christ is nothing new. It’s the foundation for most of my personal projects (minus my magazine and newspaper gigs) and has been the backbone of my book-publishing career. Still, there is a time and place for sharing the Good News and the key is NOT to force it down people’s throats, or come off as being too aggressive. I may be an Evangelical Protestant, but I’ve never agreed with the ‘banging door-to-door’ theory, or the old ‘fire and brimstone’ ambush method. Nothing turns people off to religion more than attacking them and coming off as some self-righteous zealot. People find religion when they want to. Or they don’t. I have plenty of non-Christian and/or agnostic associates who I get along with wonderfully.

Another group that is sharing the Gospel within the context of Civil War history is the Sons of Confederate Veterans Chaplain Corps. This blessed organization of battlefield believers has recently become an interest of mine (I am an Associate SCV member), and I am planning on contacting them this week to see if I can assist them in promoting their mission. Each month, they publish a 20+-page newsletter that is filled from beginning to end with inspirational stories and spiritual nourishment. It’s titled the 'Chaplain’s Chronicle' and features a wealth of positive prose including biographies of Christian Soldiers, sermon notes, prayer considerations, and reprints of general orders. Here is a PDF of the October issue.

Along with our good friends over at the Re-enactor’s Missions for Jesus Christ, these groups are using their time and talents for sharing the glory of their God, while simultaneously preserving the storied history of our culture and our country. Well done gentlemen. Well done!

Longtime Yankees historian Harvey Frommer has written more books on the Bronx Bombers than any other sports-author that I know. I own most of them. In fact, the Frommers occupy an entire shelf in my personal library, and I always look forward to their newest releases with great anticipation.

To date, Harvey Frommer boasts more than 39 sports books on his resume, including the classics “Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball”, “New York City Baseball”, as well as “The New York Yankee Encyclopedia”. He was also a writer at Yankees magazine for 16 years. As a former baseball-writer and Yankees fan myself Harvey’s books have always had a special place in my heart. I have also been fortunate enough to have been mentored from time-to-time by the author who has generously shared some wonderful critiques and advices on my own writing projects.

My favorite book (to date) by Harvey was a real gem titled “A Yankee Century: A Celebration of the First Hundred Years of Baseball's Greatest Team.” This book covered it all from their historic beginnings as the New York Highlanders playing in Manhattan's Hilltop Park in 1903, to their reign as the modern-day dynasty that brought Major League Baseball into a new millennium with World Series championships in '96, '98, '99, and 2000. For Yankee fans, or anyone who loves baseball, owning “A Yankee Century” is like having a clubhouse pass to the most fabled franchise in all of sports. That is until now…

With the release of the updated version “A Yankee Century and Beyond” Frommer has once again outdone his previous effort by incorporating the latest developments in the storied franchise since the centennial of baseball’s winningest team, This new edition of this richly illustrated study offers profiles of the team’s legendary players and coaches, detailed statistics, unforgettable moments on and off the field, rare period photographs, trivia, and more. I was particularly pleased to see some great new photography and plenty of all-time lists showcasing a myriad of Yankee records and achievements.

For those who are unfamiliar with “A Yankee Century” this book is a must have, and for those who have read the original version, “A Yankee Century and Beyond” is much-much more than just an update, it’s an extension into the most recent additions of the franchise’s history. For more information on Harvey Frommer visit his website and for ordering information, visit “A Yankee Century and Beyond” on Amazon.com.

Yesterday I received the review-CD of an exciting new release that I will be covering in more detail for The Free Lance-Star newspaper. I did want to share a little insight here…

Of course I’m talking about the highly anticipated documentary “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story” by Franklin Springs Family Media. This wonderful DVD is based on the critically acclaimed book by our friend and fellow blogger Richard G. Williams Jr. His study, titled “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man’s Friend,” re-opened the door to a part of our hero’s legacy that is far too often forgotten – the story of his Sunday School for both freed and slave blacks. As a fellow Jackson biographer, I was very interested in seeing how the panoramic cinematography that Franklin Springs is known for, would match up with the insightful narrative based on the text of Mr. Williams. Wow!

I must say that I am very impressed, not only with the scenes that fill the screen with glorious images of Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but also with the wonderful commentary that is interwoven by noted historians James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr., Dr. George Grant, William Potter, Virginia Military Institute Col. Keith Gibson; and Francis Lightburn Cressman — great granddaughter of Civil War Union General Joseph Lightburn — among others. It is a feast for both the eyes and mind.

The overall storyline of Jackson’s life is familiar, but what makes this documentary special is the particular focus on his religious piety and evangelical efforts on behalf of the African-American population in Lexington Virginia. Throughout the film we are told the stories of a young Tom Jackson growing up amongst slaves in Jackson’s Mill and his particular fondness for them as an adult. We are also told about the special relationship that he shared with his personal body servant and cook Jim Lewis. Truly Jackson was more than just a Confederate General; he was a paternal deliverer of black literacy, and instrumental in planting the seeds for eternal salvation in the slave and freed members of his Colored Sabbath School. Four churches sprung from this foundation and most are still operating today.

Tender footage of a recent reunion and church service that was attended by descendents from both the original African congregation and Jackson family reinforce the notion of faith crossing the racial divide for generations to come. Clearly Jackson’s evangelical mission is validated even today. It’s a touching story to say the least and will appeal to a wide audience of both Civil War enthusiasts and Christians. It’s the kind of inspirational film that should be shared, and I can see a wonderful opportunity for Bible studies and church retreats using this as part of their curriculum.

Bonus features include an interview with the author Richard G. Williams Jr. as well as comments by award-winning director Ken Carpenter, who openly admits the controversial nature of this subject. Still, I challenge any nay Sayers to watch the film and judge for themselves. My conclusion is that there were over 100 souls that were saved by the kindness, compassion, and convictions of Thomas Jonathan Jackson. That's over 100 new Christians in the Kingdom, who may have never been introduced to the teachings of their Savior if not for the ministry of the general.

I highly recommend this piece to study groups and I also urge parents to share this insightful and inspirational story with their children as this side of ‘Stonewall’s’ life is most likely ignored in the classroom. To order your copy of Still Standing, visit Franklin Springs Family Media’s website.

Its 8:30 on a Friday night and I’m literally sitting here typing away while watching the replay of Joe Torre’s press conference from earlier today. As a former baseball writer - as a rabid Yankees fan, I must say that I am truly upset to see Joe go, yet I understand and support his decision not to return to the Bronx. The 2008 ‘offer’ on the table was clearly an insult for a guy whose team had just engineered a remarkable comeback during the regular 162-game season.

For most teams, making it into the playoffs would have been met with some gratitude, but not in New York. Simply stated, it’s another championship ring or nothing at all. This is not new of course. “The Boss” certainly invests huge sums of cash into his team’s line-ups; however Joe’s resume is filled with record-setting statistics and he deserved a much better departure than this. I will admit that this post-season collapse affected me more than any prior, but I still appreciated the great ride we had in the chase. Joe had a lot to do with that.

So tonight I sit here trying to come up with something poetic as I look back fondly on a Hall of Fame skipper’s tenure and smile. Unfortunately it’s a forced smile as I can’t help but feel a great deal of disappointment in Mr. Steinbrenner and the rest of the Yankees administration. For the last 12 years, Torre has been the mainstay for an organization that was reborn as a dynasty. He was always a first-class guy and will be missed very much. After all, the guy won 1,173 games (and a few AL Pennants and World Series in between.)

It will be interesting to see what kind of fallout this has on the Bomber’s free agent players who may or may not return (gems like Mo Rivera, A-Rod, and Posada) now that Torre’s gone. The timing IMO stinks as the Yankees dugout was brimming with plenty of fresh, young talent including Joba Chamberlain. These pups would have blossomed under Joe’s tutelage.

Even the Yankee haters out there have to give Joe Torre his props. No other coach has accumulated the numbers that he has. No other coach was as beloved by his players either. He will be missed by everyone in the clubhouse and in the stands. Now we must look to the future. I’m worried for sure. And I just realized that he won’t be there when New York hosts the All-Star Game next season. Maybe he will be there – but NOT in pinstripes. Whoever replaces Coach Torre better have BIG feet (to fill Joe’s shoes) and he better be a Yankee.

It looks like ESPN’s Baseball Tonight is doing a special segment on Joe’s career now. I’m going to go relive some wonderful memories. Thanks Joe. May God bless you wherever you go.

As with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (see post below) there isn’t much historic documentation that I’ve been able to find in regards to James Madison’s Montpelier during the War Between the States. On my trip to the estate this past Monday, I was able to interview one of the guides who directed me to some secondary sources and told me the story of several Confederates who were apparently hung on the premises. The exact location is not known. I was able to find this:

Sources: "Forest history of James Madison's Montpelier Plantation1" Druckenbrod, Daniel L "Forest history of James Madison's Montpelier Plantation1". Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society. Jul-Sep 2004. FindArticles.com. 17 Oct. 2007.

To plan your own visit to this magnificent estate, visit James Madison’s Montpelier. (Please note the house is currently undergoing a major restoration project and will not be completed until 2009. Tours are still available, as well as many other exhibits, museums, and events.)

UPDATE: Today I hastily posted an entry directed at a fellow blogger (Kevin Levin) out of frustration and in defense of a very good friend whom I believe has been unjustly criticized time-and-time again on Mr. Levin’s blog. I myself have come under scrutiny there a few times. When I typed it, I was careful not to be too mean-spirited and I thought that I simply brought to light what I considered to be cheap shots that ultimately harm the reputations of those targeted by it.

What I did not realize is the firestorm of feedback that I would receive in response to my post. I received 31 Comments in less than 8 hours ranging from kind validations and support - to out right profanity. Several were in favor of Kevin. It appears that there are many others in the blogosphere who share my feelings and others who do not. I now know at least 22 people who absolutely hate this guy. But...

While reading the latest Comments tonight in preparation for moderating them, I realized that I too was setting a poor example and behaving in the same manner that I chastised others for. As a Christian I am supposed to rise above this kind of behavior and I apologize to all parties for being a hypocrite. I will always defend my friends and their material, but I removed the original post mostly to delete the comments section, which was getting out of hand. It was not a good example on my part.

Please don't misunderstand my change of heart. I still don’t agree with Mr. Levin’s views, but I have no right to provide a forum here for publicly attacking him. (Frankly, I feel a little bad for the guy.) Thank you for your comments one and all.

PS. This morning I was told that I am banned from ever commenting on Kevin’s blog. His supporters will probably continue to post on this incident for a few days to come. I did send a message to Kevin, but it has not been posted as of today. I'm moving on. I will say in closing that it is ‘Stonewall’ Jackson who was a much better Christian than any of us and we should all look to his example.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Ok friends I have a few free-minutes this evening. Lots to share, but I’ll keep it brief.

First off, I had another wonderful time chatting to the great folks over at the Civil War Home Chatroom on Sunday night. I did my presentation on “J.E.B. Stuart: The Christian Cavalier” and I think I did a pretty good job at presenting a side of the general that some may not have been familiar with. I tried to use plenty of letters and recollections from family and friends in order to paint a more personal portrait. The dialogue that was generated was great and I enjoyed the discussion that followed very much. You can read the transcripts of our chat here. I want to thank ks, basecat, and shotgun once again for having me.

Second, I took the wife on a romantic day-trip down the road to James Madison’s Montpelier. It was even better than our trip to Monticello the weekend before (perhaps because the ONLY child present was ‘still in the oven’). For those of you who aren’t aware, Montpelier is undergoing a major restoration project and is a huge construction site. There are still plenty of tours and attractions and we did go through the house and photograph the contractors working. The grounds are still spectacular and the museums are small, but nice. The estate was bought by the wealthy duPont family who modified the mansion from 22 rooms to 55. When the last heir died, she donated the estate with the instructions to restore the property to its original splendor. The James Madison Foundation has spent the last few years painstakingly removing the duPont’s modernisms, while returning the plantation back to its original 18th-century appearance. I’ve added some new shots over on my Photo Album page.

Third, I completed two long-format feature articles, one for the January issue of Civil War Historian, and another for The Free Lance-Star’s Town & County. One is a Top-10 list guaranteed to generate some feedback and the other is on Mort Kunstler’s upcoming release. Unfortunately, both of these projects are ‘top secret’ and I can’t share any more details until the editors give me permission following their release. (Stay Tuned)

You may remember that I mentioned a new project a week or so ago in which I decided to expand one of my recent presentations from a talk to an actual walking tour. The subject is one that has been repeated a few times in my work, the inspirational story of Sergeant Richard Kirkland. “The Angel of Marye’s Heights” has made appearances in my devotional “The Southern Cross,” my presentation “Faith Under Fire,” and in an article on compassion and charity that I penned for the Spotsylvania Presbyterian Post. This project however will be an expansion of the story to include the reading of personal letters, as well as the rest of the soldier’s life up to and including his death. (Kirkland went on to fight at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Sept. 20, 1863, during the Battle of Chickamauga, he was struck down charging up Snodgrass Hill.)

The focus of my tour, titled “Battlefield Blessings” will of course be the inspirational story of his selfless act of compassion amidst carnage at the stonewall itself. By taking the audience there and positioning them on the field near the site of the actual event, as well as in the shadow of the great monument that stands today in homage to the act, I hope to present the extraordinary courage and conviction that Kirkland possessed. Here’s my promo:

“On the morning of December 13th, 1862, Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland of the 2nd North Carolina Infantry looked out over the field at Fredericksburg and was appalled by what he saw. The day before, wave after wave of courageous Federal troops had charged into the deadly massed fire of the Army of Northern Virginia, which was entrenched on a sunken road, behind a stonewall. The results were dreadful, and had left a sea of bloody, blue-uniformed dead and wounded on the slope leading to Marye’s Heights. Hour after hour, the cries of the dying filled the air with a nauseating symphony of suffering. What happened next stopped the entire Civil War in its tracks, if only for a moment. Join SPC member and historian Michael Aubrecht for a private, Christian-based tour at the site of this mission of mercy. This special program includes a short walking tour of the wall and field, an “Angel of Marye’s Heights” presentation at the Kirkland Monument (including a reading of Sgt. Kirkland’s personal letters), and a special prayer service at the nearby National Cemetery. This 1-hour program will be both educational and inspirational as we hear how God’s presence can be found in the midst of war. For more details visit: (special website page created by me here)”

In addition, I will be doing some readings from Kirkland’s personal letters home and I hope to add some other props or visual aids including photographs of the man, and his grave (Kirkland's grave in the Quaker cemetery in Camden South Carolina pictured above – note the canteen incorporated into the tombstone). The purpose of this tour is not just to educate, but more importantly to enlighten. By sharing Kirkland’s stellar example of faith, forgiveness, and fellowship, we can all try to be more kind and compassionate towards our fellow man.

A Puritan historian recently stated in a discussion on the theology of forgiveness that “I see Kirkland's downhill leap over the stonewall as a veritable leap into the "valley of the shadow of death." I could not agree more. I’ll be putting this package together and doing a dry run in a month or so and then I’ll post the information here. I’d love to have an opportunity to share this story with you.

History is among our most cherished treasures. Learning it however means nothing if we can’t apply it to our lives today in some tangible, positive manner. That is the basis for everything I do. And that’s why stories like Kirkland's deserve to be told.

I'm creating a special webpage for this endeavor: Sneak Peek Here