This Week in Texas Methodist History July 4

 

Today’s post is written by Chuck Chandler

 

Cedar Creek Church in Washington County Hosts 4^th of July Barbeque

CEDAR CREEK CHURCH AND THE SPREADING OF THE EAGLE

It was at this old church that a barbecue was given by the citizens in 1842. General Houston,

Major A J. Donelson and General Lamar were invited to make speeches on the topics of the day.

At that period the subject of annexation was being discussed and as Major Donelson was the

minister to Texas from the United States, it was expected that he would base his remarks on that

subject, which he did in glowing and eloquent terms. His discourse was listened to with marked

respect, as he, in addition to being the minister of the United States, was also the adopted son of

General Jackson. Consequently, he in a large sense spoke the opinions of that great and

influential man. However, the day was opened by Judge Nimrod of Chappell Hill, the orator of

the day. The Judge was a highly educated gentleman who bad taken his degree at the State

University in Alabama, and was in his prime. The day being the Fourth of July, the Judge was

full of pluck, and fully feathered. He soon left the earth and was amidst the planets, on track of

the American Eagle. The national bird led him from star to star, and wandered most gloriously

among the original Thirteen. When he commenced his descent he circled gently among the

murky clouds, touching now and then upon their highest points, until, to his great delight and

safety, he reached the arc of a rainbow, and after descending eloquently and grandly of its

beauties, slid gently to the earth without rumpling a feather. Such was the character of the

speeches made in those days upon such occasions. General Lamar followed Major Donaldson

and Judge Nimrod, his efforts bristling with eloquence and with patriotism.

This barbeque was at the Cedar Creek church in Washington County and was actually held on

July 4, 1845 since Andrew Jackson Donelson was appointed Chargé d'Affaires to Texas on

September 16, 1844 and left Texas on or soon after August 9, 1845.

Reprinted from “Sixty years on the Brazos; the life and letters of Dr. John Washington Lockhart,

1824-1900”.