General Robert E. Lee had originally been recruited by President Abraham Lincoln to head up the Union Army. While Lee was staunchly opposed to slavery, he decided to stay the course of his beloved state of Virginia, instead. It is hard for us to understand, but in those days, loyalty to one’s state always superseded loyalty to one’s country, and even to one’s moral beliefs.

At the closing of the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysees S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. Within weeks, the surrender was made known to the other major armies battling in the War Between the States, and the end of the most trying time in American History came to a close.

A few weeks later, at a church service at a small methodist church in Arlington, VA, the congregation held a communion service. Blacks were allowed to attend church, but were forced to sit in the back, and never approached the alter for prayer. It was common for parishoners to go to the alter to pray before communion to confess all sins to God.

On this particular Sunday, after the worship service and before the communion, a few minutes of silence were observed for prayer. Almost immediately, an old, black man got up from his pew, approached the alter, and knelt to pray. The congregation and the minister were all taken aback, as an awkward silence fell upon the people. This had never been done, and certainly was not necessarily seen as proper.

At that moment, an older white gentleman with flowing white hair and a commanding presence stood. He confidently walked to the alter. He knelt next to the black man, put his arm around him and prayed. The older white gentleman with the flowing white hair was General Robert E. Lee.

Robbie Parsons JrobbieP@aol.com