What is the Order of Confederate Rose (OCR)? What exactly do you do? What is its purpose?
First, the Order of Confederate Rose is a support for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, helping with their social & benevolent functions. The OCR was founded in Alabama is 1993, and in Florida in 2002. But we are so much more than that – we have our own agenda as well. Chapters throughout Florida raise funds to purchase flags for the Flags Across Florida Project. To date we have supplied flags for the White Springs and the Confederate Park Flag site in Tampa. We have placed a memorial plaque for Rose O’Neal Greenhow and a granite bench at the Confederate Park as well. We strive to protect our heritage, but most importantly we are visible in our communities in a positive light.
Q&A:
- Who can become an OCR member? Any person of good character with an interest in things Southern having attained at least the age of eleven (11), regardless of gender, is eligible for membership in the OCRFS, Corp. Children from birth to age fourteen (14) may apply for membership in the Legacy Program.
2. How much are dues annually? When are they to be paid every year and how? OCRFS Corp. annual dues is $20 per member per year. Life Membership due is $150, effective October 1, 2006, and is paid to the OCRFS Corp. at anytime a member decides to become a Life Member. Each Chapter shall be responsible for collecting Society Dues from current members and remitting same to OCRFS Corp. Treasurer on July 1 of each year. Individual Chapters may elect to collect chapter dues additionally according to their Chapter bylaws.
3. How often are officer elections? When are they done? OCRFS officers are elected every 2 years in odd-numbered years at the annual meeting/convention/reunion of OCRFS Corp., as part of new business. OCRFS annual meetings are held in conjunction with the annual Convention/Reunion of the Florida Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Our meeting is open to all active members and registration is required.
Each Chapter in good standing will have one vote on matters brought before the Society. Chapters must be current on all dues and assessments to be considered in good standing. Each Chapter will select one person for voting representation at the general meeting.
4. What is requested of the chapters to collectively prepare, provide assistance and support the annual meeting? It has been a yearly tradition to present ‘ditty bags’ to the attendees of the OCRFS annual reunion. With this in mind, it’s customary to request the chapters to contribute small mementos/items of minimal value to place in each of the Reunion ditty bags if possible. The bags are usually assembled the night prior to the meeting. If your chapter cannot bring something prior to reunion day, you can send the items or money to the OCRFS Secretary and something will be purchased in your chapter’s behalf.
Donations of door prizes to be given during the meeting are graciously accepted from chapters also.
Another tradition we have had throughout the years is to maintain a FL Society OCR scrapbook, brought to the reunion for all to see. If you have photos of your chapter’s activities and events you would like to contribute, send your scrap book pictures to the Society scrapbook administrator, preferably before the weekend of the annual meeting.
5. What is a Golden Rose membership? What are the member requirements and benefits? To qualify as a Golden Rose (or as a Golden Thorn for our male members) you must be 75 or older and a dues-paying member for at least a year. (Special exceptions of qualification my be permitted by OCRFS). Members under the Golden Rose program are exempt from paying dues and will receive a Golden Rose/Thorn certificate.
6. What is the Black Rose Program? What is required and how do I join? The Society of the Black Rose is a volunteer order to perpetuate the person of a War Between the States widow at SCV functions, memorial services, grave dedications, etc. It is open to any dues paying member of the Order of Confederate Rose and no additional membership dues are required.
REQUIREMENTS: A Black Rose member must be a member of the OCR to join. Members must have a complete mourning outfit (period appropriate partial mourning is also acceptable).
Completed Black Rose applications are sent directly to Black Rose Coordinator Suzy Hager (see instructions on the application – all applications at the end). Each member will receive a membership certificate to the Society of the Black Rose. There is also an Order of the Black Rose membership pin which is available to members in all states. Just make note of the pin request on your application and enclose the appropriate monies to purchase one.
7. Can you tell me about the Legacy program? The Florida Legacy Program is an educational program sponsored by the Order of Confederate Rose, Florida Society. The purpose of the Legacy Program is to promote interest and knowledge of our Southern Heritage, History and Culture to the youth of all ages. This program is open to all applicants who have an interest in the goals and purpose of this program.
Members will receive a membership certificate upon joining. Mailings and age appropriate activities are sent to members off and on throughout the year.
Membership is free, but donations are appreciated to help with the mailing and distribution costs.
For more information on joining please visit the Florida Legacy website at: http://confederatelegacy.shutterfly.com/
8. How do I start a new OCRFS CHAPTER? Five members are required to form a Chapter. A group of three (3) interested person may function as a provisional sub-chapter, which is defined as an emerging group that will soon attain a quorum of five (5) members. Contact the OCRFS President for more information.
For Membership Questions or Comment send them to: Annette Lindsey, Florida President: cwpyrogirl@yahoo.com
Membership forms located below
Visit us on Facebook at – Order of Confederate Rose Florida Society https://www.facebook.com/groups/252643898146512/
OFFICERS:
Annette Lindsey, President: cwpyrogirl@yahoo.com
Sandra Coyle, Vice-President: coylesandra66@gmail.com
Cathy King, 2nd Vice-President: cathy.king5@aol.com
Lee Ann Phillips, Treasurer: mslee121355@gmail.com
Gail Jessee, Secretary: cantinierel@aol.com
Talissa Wilson, Historian: wilsontalissa@yahoo.com
Kym Stevens, Chaplin: celticrider1864@gmail.com
MESSAGES FROM OUR LEADERS:
CHAPTER NEWS:
REGISTRATION FORM FOR GENERAL MEETING IN MEMPHIS, JULY 22, 2017:
MEMBERSHIP FORMS:
The Roses Prayer
by Ronald Colson
A band of southern sister, Lord
We gather here this day
And, Lord, with all humility
to Thee we bow and pray.
We plead to thee for guidance as
we go about our tasks
And knowing we’re unworthy,
We’ve gathered Lord, to honor long
departed loved ones dear
But pray that, too, we honor Thee
while we are gathered here.
Our words and thoughts should all be
in accordance with they will
And if one seems to stray from this
then let her tongue be still.
Let us n’er, Lord, bring reproach
‘pon those who we revere
But rather let our actions show
the world how much we care,
in Christ’s name,
Amen.
For Membership Questions or Comment send them to:
Annette Lindsey, Florida President: cwpyrogirl@yahoo.com
Visit us on Facebook at – Order of Confederate Rose Florida Society
Books about Women of the War Between the States Era – this list is by no means exhaustive, but can be a starting point for those wanting to read about women of the era. Some of these sites are out of print, but can be found through internet searches.
The Women of the Confederacy, by Francis Butler Simkins & James Welch Patton
The Women of the Confederacy, by Rev. J.L. Underwood
Confederated Women, edited by Mauriel Phillips Joslen
Heroines of Dixie, by Katharine M. Jones
Confederate Spy: Rose O’Neale Greenhow, by Nash K. Burger
Life in Dixie During the War, by Mary A.H. Gay
Order of Confederate Rose of Florida 