Staff Reports

The first meeting of the new year for the Moultrie-McNeill UDC Chapter # 661 was held on Sept. 2. Members and guests were welcomed by the new chapter president, Ann Glass.

Chapter Chaplain Nan Newton presented a devotional and opening prayer followed by the pledge and salute to our flags.

Membership certificates had arrived over the summer for five new chapter members. Past Registrar, Irene Godwin introduced each new member as they received their certificate. They are Ailene McNair and her daughter, Rose, who lives out of state and wasn’t present. They both joined the UDC to honor their Confederate ancestor, Abner Hern. Next was Dorothy King, who joined to honor her ancestor, Levi Sapp. April Welter joined to honor her Confederate ancestor, Michael C. Boyce. Merle Griswold, who was out of town and not present, joined to honor her ancestor, John Dotson Pitts. This seemed a positive note to begin the new year with.

Irene Godwin’s new office is the chapter’s recorder of crosses. She spoke on the different medals the UDC has to offer veterans on their records of service in different wars and military conflicts, who can then prove his or her lineage to a Confederate ancestor.

President Glass then presented her opening message which includes planning the 100th birthday celebration for Colquitt County’s Confederate Monument next year. Committees were suggested with volunteers to begin their work on this once in a life time event as many of these monuments throughout the country are reaching the century mark with similar observances everywhere. This event, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2009 will be the highlight of the chapter’s year.

The guest speaker for the Oct. 7 meeting will be Clint Chafin, who will speak on the first five pastors at Moultrie’s First Baptist Church, all Confederate veterans. Meetings are, at 3:30 p.m., at the Museum of Colquitt County History.