ATM Sunday Message for August 22, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:

Below is my message for Sunday, August 22nd. Please feel free to forward or reply. Your comments are always most welcome.

May our Lord bless you all in His service, and in service to our just and worthy Confederate Cause.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is It God's Will?

The Bible tells us quite plainly that not everyone will inherit eternal life. In fact, it seems that most will not; not even some of those who claim to be servants of Christ. In Matthew chapter seven, verses 13 and 14, Jesus speaks of the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction, and the strait gate and narrow way that leads to life. He tells us that many will go the way of destruction, and few will find life. In that same chapter, verses 21 through 23, Jesus states that many who claim to have done wonderful works in His name will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Then there is the dreadful vision of the great judgment in Revelation chapter 20. Verse 15 says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. This is true. It is God's word. But, is it God's will?

The answer is no, of course not. In 2 Peter 3: 9, The Apostle writes that the Lord is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Indeed, to accomplish His will, God has placed great obstacles between man and spiritual death. He gave His Son to die in our stead. He gave the Holy Spirit to convict and convince us of our spiritual need. He gave the Bible to burn truth into our hearts. He sent faithful witnesses to speak to us under His direction. He gave His Church (not to be confused with my church, your church, our church, or their church) to teach and baptize. And why? Because He loves us and is not willing that any should perish.

So, why then will so many (most according to Jesus) live this life in doubt and despair, and end it by diving headlong into eternal death and destruction? Perhaps it's that word "Repentance." In simple terms, repentance means to turn from self to God. It means to surrender our will to God's will, and accept His authority in our life. As Jesus prayed in the garden in Luke 22: 42, "Not my will, but thine be done." However, the act of repentance requires faith. But, this too is given to us by God. In Ephesians 2: 8, the Apostle Paul writes, "For by grace (God's love) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I truly believe that it is God's will that the Sons of Confederate Veterans grow, prosper, and succeed in it's appointed mission. I believe we as a Confederation have a mandate, not only from General S.D. Lee, but from God. However, for God's will to be done, in our lives and in our just Cause, we must be in His Will.

So, it is my prayer today that every member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans seek God's will in their life. Before every word: Before every act: Before every decision: We should ask ourselves, am I just doing what I want to do, and saying what I want to say, or is it God's will?

Bro.Len Patterson, Th.D

Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

ATM Sunday Message for August 15, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:


Below is my Message for Sunday August 15th. Please feel free to forward or reply. Your comments are always welcome.

May God bless each of you in His service, and in service to our Confederation and most honorable Southern Cause.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

Sons of Confederate Veterans



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moving Forward?

Some years before the bottom fell out of civilization we heard much about the inevitability of progress. The dictionary defines progress as a "forward movement" or a movement towards an aim or goal. The modernists, evolutionists, and there kind once assured us that man was as sure to move forward as sparks are to fly upward. We have not heard much of that lately. So, are we moving forward?

If the aim of this world is global destruction and extermination of the human race, then it seems to be moving forward. If is the aim of this country is to become socialistic, Marxist, communistic, or despotic, then it would seem to be moving forward. If it is the aim of the South is to lose it's individual identity and proud heritage, then it seems to be moving forward. If it is the aim of the church to become a social club and entertainment center, then it appears to be moving forward.

So perhaps progress is inevitable, but it would seem that it is progress in reverse. Instead of creating a euphoria, we are contriving a madhouse. The good news is that more and more people, especially in this country, are saying, "Enough is enough, and I've had enough." People in this country are getting tired of being pushed around and they're beginning to meet, march, and speak out. The crowd in Washington wants to control the country and they know it will take time, because people don't want to be controlled. But, they are moving forward.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans have an aim also. Our aim is defined in the Charge given to us in 1906 by General S.D. Lee. It may at times seem that we are losing ground, that we are being undone by the enemies of truth, that those who wish to destroy us are winning the struggle, however it is we who are making progress. With God's help and guidance, with the strong and competent leadership we have, with dedicated members who are committed to honoring our Confederate forefathers and the Cause for which they fought, we are moving forward.

But there is one kind of progress that is sure. The eternal purpose of God moves on. Perhaps there has never been a time so dark, dismal, and desolate, but amid all the wreckage of civilization today God's program is running on schedule. He will arrive where He is going on time and according to plan. In 2 Peter 3:7 we read, "But the heavens and earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." Then in Revelation 21: 1, God's Word says, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away." Yes, God has an aim, and He has a place prepared for you and me, and all His saints. (Jn. 14:1-3) And we can be sure, He is moving forward.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D.
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

Reed's Bridge Update

What started out two years ago as just another preservation idea has turned out to be the most active Civil War battlefield restoration of its kind the state of Arkansas has ever seen. Starting with a few acres of heavy underbrush where the Confederate trenches were situated during the battle on August 27th, 1863, Reed’s Bridge battlefield in Jacksonville, Arkansas is looking more and more as it did nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.

Southern Brigade Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Arkansas Division Ron Kelley noted, “I have been involved in this restoration from the beginning and I have never seen so many groups coming together and working toward a common goal like this.” Originally envisioned by Arkansas living historian Steve Shore, a small 19th century village is nearing completion just in time for the 147th anniversary of the battle as members from the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, the Civil War Round Table of Arkansas, the Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trails, living historians, the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History, and the City of Jacksonville spent their summer preparing for the 147th anniversary reenactment that will be held on September 11, 2010.

This restoration was first reported in The Civil War News back in the April, 2009 edition during the first phase of clearing off of the undergrowth and trees. Since then, a smokehouse and barn have been constructed on the property and a kitchen and homestead are currently under construction, not to mention the mountains of brush that have been cleared from the property.

The Civil War era village will be completed by the September, 2010 battle reenactment. Two full scale 1841 replica cannons and a new information stand have also been added to the area as well as a walking trail and a small scale version of the original bridge that the Confederates set fire to during the 1863 battle.

There are many benefits in restoring historical sites other than strictly clearing off land and reconstructing history for the sake of education and heritage. “We have converted this property from a haven for prostitutes, drug dealers, and homeless transients to a beautiful battlefield park perfect for a family picnic.” Kelley continued, “Everyone benefits from a community project like this.” Park admission is free and is open year-round. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield is located on Arkansas Highway 161 south of Jacksonville, Arkansas.

“The Road to Secession”

“The Road to Secession”

A Civil War Sesquicentennial Event

December 1 - 5, 2010

POC Mark K. Vogl (903) 725-3175

johnyreb43@yahoo.com



THE ROAD TO SECESSION is one of the first national events of the American Civil War Sesquicentennial. It will be held in early December at Camp Gilmont, in northeast Upshur County, Texas. The event will feature both an academic symposium and a Living History event and will address the question: Why did the good and Christian people of the South choose Secession in 1860-61?


THE ROAD TO SECESSION is being organized by the Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Army of the Trans Mississippi, Sons of Confederate Veterans. It is our intention to invite school children from the Ark-La-Tex to attend the Living History event on December 2 and 3, and open to the general public on December 4 and 5.


THE ROAD TO SECESSION COMMITTEE is working hard to attract qualified and proven re-enactors to perform the roles of as many of the key personalities in ante-bellum period as possible. We hope to have John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, Col. Robert E. Lee, Stephen Douglas, Dred Scott, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Horace Greeley Rafael Semmes and many more. Our belief is that if people can see and hear the arguments and news of the day, they will be more informed as to why Secession was chosen by the people of the South. Our goal is to provide an open forum for all sides so that attendees can gain an appreciation for the views of all.


THE ROAD TO SECESSION Academic Symposium (December 1 – 4) will provide a venue for college professors, authors, historians and students to once again consider the history of our nation during this most crucial period. If you wish to participate and submit a paper please contact us.


THE ROAD TO SECESSION COMMITTEE believes that the broader the range of attendees the better. Crisis and conflict, violence and social forces combined to lead our nation down a road which eventually led to secession. President Lincoln chose war as the northern response. To truly understand the period and the decisions of the people involved, one must explore the many sides of the times.


THE ROAD TO SECESSION COMMITTEE seeks contributors. We need to raise funds, to attract qualified academicians, and qualified and practiced re-enactors. We need to promote and advertise the event across the nation. Make checks payable to Upshur County Patriots, RTS. All donations are tax deductible and we can provide a tax ID No..


Make checks payable to Upshur Patriots RTS and mail to P.O. Box 1433, Lindale, Texas 75771

ATM SUnday Message for August 8, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:

Below is my message for Sunday, August 8th. Please feel free to forward or reply. Your comments are always welcome.

May God bless you all in His service and in service to our just and most worthy Southern Cause.

Brother Len Patterson, Th.D

Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Start Over!

Our country is on the road to ruin because it has turned it's back on God and made immorality and sin normal and acceptable. We have turned from the faith of our founding fathers, and are following the ways of the unrighteous. As a country, we seem to think we can change our direction without changing our ways. This country does not need changing, remodeling, or renovation. It needs restoration. This country has jumped the track and lost it's way. We need to clean house and start over.

Let's face it. We could all stand a little improvement. There are things we could do to make life better for ourselves, as well as those around us. Perhaps it's time for a little self evaluation, and resolve to make some changes. However, there are times when change may not be enough. Sometimes we need to stop what we are doing and the way we are doing it, and just start over.

This is what God did as recorded in the sixth chapter of Genesis. God had created man, but after about sixteen hundred years, man had become totally wicked. We are all familiar with the story of Noah and his ark. Mankind had become so evil and unchanging that God decided to wipe the slate clean and start over.

And what of our Confederation? Are we being faithful to the Charge handed to us over a hundred years ago? Are we moving forward in the direction of honoring our brave Confederate forefathers and the Cause for which they gallantly fought? If so, then why are we further from our destination today, than we were fifty years ago? I know we have oppressors, and they have gotten stronger and more aggressive over the years. But, why haven't we gotten even stronger and even more aggressive?

Perhaps we need to be mindful of why the Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded. Perhaps we need to remember the importance of our roots and our mission. Perhaps we need to reunite as a band of brothers shoulder to shoulder in the front line trenches. Perhaps it's time to quit trying to be nice guys and get offended. Perhaps it's time to get mad at those who would dishonor our Confederate ancestors, and start over.

Sometimes people need a new beginning for themselves. If you're a Christian, but don't feel as close to God as you once did, you can start over. Just turn around, He's not as far away as you may think. In Acts 17: 27, the Apostle Paul states that God is "not far from every one of us."

To those who have not committed their life to Jesus Christ, God promises a new beginning. In 2 Corinthians 5: 17, the Scripture says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." So, if life seems to have gotten out of hand and you need a new beginning, just turn to Christ, receive Him as Lord, and start over.

 

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

Fredericksburg Virginia City Council Attacks Confederate Monument

Fredericksburg Virginia City Council Attacks Confederate Monument


Dispute over marker goes on

Confederate soldiers' memorial feud bound for trial


Date published: 8/10/2010


By CLINT SCHEMMER


Fredericksburg's legal battle over the location of a memorial to Confederate dead can go to trial, a judge decided yesterday.

Circuit Judge Gordon F. Willis rejected the city's motion for summary judgment to dismiss a lawsuit by the Sons of Confederate Veterans' local camp, saying the court must decide some of the facts disputed by both sides.

The City Council wants the SCV's Matthew Fontaine Maury Camp No. 1722 to remove a granite-and-bronze memorial it erected in early 2009 to honor 51 Confederate soldiers who were buried nearby on what is now the Maury Commons condominiums.

The small monument sits on one corner of the grassy triangle at Barton and George streets that's better known as site of the much-larger Fredericksburg Area War Memorial.

Last fall, the City Council said the SCV monument must move. It enacted an ordinance declaring the triangle the exclusive site of the War Memorial, donated by the Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council, that honors local military personnel killed in World War I and later conflicts.

The Maury camp contends that state law bars the city from moving its monument, and that the SCV had city building and zoning officials' permission to put it there on municipal property. It claims that elsewhere on city land, markers and monuments to the Union's Irish Brigade and the 7th Michigan Infantry were recently permitted by the same process.


But City Attorney Kathleen Dooley argued in court yesterday that staff weren't authorized to allow the SCV memorial. Permission must come expressly from the City Council, she said.


The SCV camp obtained a building permit for the monument's base from the city zoning administrator.

Since it has that document and the memorial is built, the council cannot retroactively move or alter the monument, the group's Richmond attorney, Patrick McSweeney, told the court.


"After the fact, the city can't change the rules," McSweeney argued.


Judge Willis said he wants to hear testimony on why Roy B. Perry Jr., the SCV camp's first lieutenant commander--who obtained the building permit--believed he had the city's approval for the monument.


And as he did last spring when the case arrived in his courtroom, Willis urged the two sides to settle the issue out of court, through mediation overseen by a retired judge. In interviews afterward, Dooley and McSweeney said their clients are open to such an agreement, if they can find common ground. "If there's a will, it could be worked out," McSweeney said. "The monument could be located where everybody would be satisfied."


But the legal dispute may grow, not go away.


William E. Glover, the local attorney for the Veterans Council, said the group will file a brief asking the court to let it be a party to the case, on the city's side.


The City Council has retained Fredericksburg trial lawyer Jennifer Lee Parrish to assist Dooley in the case.


And while McSweeney and Dooley declined to describe their clients' bargaining positions for a potential deal, it's not clear that the city and the SCV camp are even on the same page.

Ironically, it was the City Council which--in 1861--approved burial of Confederate troops from seven states at what later became the home of Maury School.


http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/082010/08102010/567545/index_html?page=1

Local Coverage of Anderson Reunion

Reunion opens with reverence for Old South

By Liz Carey

Anderson Independent Mail

July 22, 2010







ANDERSON — A line of Confederate soldier re-enactors stood in uniform and a single bagpipe skirled through the Anderson Civic Center. A huge Confederate flag faced the assemblage and many flags of the South’s past hung in the room where hundreds had gathered to honor their heritage.



The Sons of Confederate Veterans were beginning their national reunion.



The group, whose members are descendants of soldiers of the Confederacy, is in Anderson through Saturday at the Anderson Civic Center. It is the largest convention in Anderson County’s history.



Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts opened the reunion to a standing ovation when he presented a proclamation to Ron Wilson, commander of the Manse Jolly Camp No. 6 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the host of the convention.



In the proclamation, Roberts said “our country is a nation of people united by a common history of individual heritage, diverse cultures …” He said it was important to reflect on the nation’s history and gain insight from its mistakes and successes.



South Carolina’s Attorney General Henry McMaster said those who would besmirch the history and heritage of the South should be stopped.



“We need to understand the history in our state and what our heritage is and we need to be proud of it,” McMaster said. “Our ancestors stood tall believing in what they thought was right and they did so with great sacrifice.”



Chuck McMichael, the commander-in-chief of the national organization, said this year marks the 150th anniversary of those sacrifices.



“What must our ancestors have been talking about on their back porches, and after church?” he said. “They were talking about what was going on in their country, and the dismay in their hearts of the course the nation was in, the encroachment of the federal government of the rights that belonged to the states. … It was a storm and a change that they did not believe in.”



As the first state to secede, South Carolina holds a special place in the Confederacy, not only because of its secession, but also because it sent more men to the cause of the Confederacy, while not providing a single organized group to the Union.



McMichael said that as soon as Abraham Lincoln was elected president, a parish in Louisiana seceded from the Union and declared war on the North. South Carolina was to follow in December of 1860.



McMichael said an anti-secessionist attorney, James L Petigru, was reported to have said that “South Carolina is too small to be a republic and too large to be a lunatic asylum.”



“If that’s the case,” McMichael said. “Then for this weekend, I’m proud to be an inmate.”



There were also a number of short speeches by city and county officials including former Anderson County administrator Joey Preston, Anderson County Council members Ron Wilson, Tommy Dunn and Tom Allen, interim Anderson County administrator Rusty Burns and state Rep. Dan Cooper of Piedmont.



http://www.independentmail.com/news/2010/jul/22/reunion-opens-glory-old-south