Lewes DAR members clean gravestones at St. George’s AME cemetery

Members of the Col. David Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution volunteered for their National Day of Service Oct. 2 at the St. George AME Church Cemetery on Pilottown Road in Lewes.

The cemetery was selected because of its historical significance to the Lewes community. Chapter members cleaned 25 tombstones.

They were joined by a St. George AME Church member along with the Rev. Deborah McCaffity, church pastor.

Historian Richard H. Moore provided attendees with some of the rich history and legacy of the property. Lewes Mayor Ted Becker also stopped by to view the progress and show appreciation. 

With historical preservation, education and patriotism as part of DAR’s mission, educating the public about and cleaning up these historic gravesites is a way for Col. David Hall Chapter members to serve the community.

Of special significance, three Civil War veterans are buried at the St. George AME Church Cemetery. Two of these Union soldiers were George H. Wright and Matthew Johnson. Their tombstones bear their name, regiment and designation, 25th U.S.C.T. The third Civil War veteran is Theodore Parker, whose marker also bears the distinction of 32nd regiment, U.S.C.T.

Both regiments comprised African American enlisted men commanded by white officers and were authorized by the Bureau of Colored Troops, which was created by the United States War Department May 22, 1863.

For DAR membership inquiries and other questions about the chapter, contact Chapter Regent Kathy Lindemer at klindemer@gmail.com.

To learn more, go to dar.org.