Photo of the inductee and those having a part in the induction: From left-Dr. Cheryl Davis, mother of the inductee; Andrew West, the inductee; Mike Weyler, 2^nd VP of VASSAR and Michael Rhodes, President RHLC.

The Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC) of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) had its first membership meeting in 2023, 14 March, in its new home, the Bayne Center,  at Historic Christ Church, Weems. Seven more membership meetings are scheduled in its new home in 2023.

The RHLC President, Michael Rhodes, chaired the meeting. He began the meeting by recognizing the many guests who were attending to include Mike Weyler, the 2^nd Vice-President of VASSAR. After lunch, the program started.

Opening the program, Weyler made some preliminary remarks and then called on Mike Lyman to present him with a certificate of appreciation from VASSAR for all the work he has done locating Patriot’s burial sites in Virginia.

Next President Rhodes gave a brief accounting of how RHLC was recognized at the VASSAR annual meeting this past February as well as the Chapter’s participation in the annual Crossing the Dan ceremony where he presented the Chapter Wreath.

At the annual meeting, President Rhodes said, RHLC received six streamers to be attached to the RHLC flag to include one streamer for the 1776 Gwynn’s Island affair that saw the last of British control of Virginia with the ouster of John Murry the 4^th Earl of Dunsmore. Also, the Gwynn’s Island event in early July has been made a VASSAR annual event with RHLC overseeing the details.

Next he called upon Andrew West to induct him as a new member of RHLC. Rhodes administered the oath and Weyler pinned the Rosette onto West’s collar. The Rosette is the official Recognition Emblem of the Sons of the American Revolution. Its blue and buff colors represent the colors in the uniform worn by General George Washington. Also standing with the new inductee was his mother, Dr. Cheryl Davis, director of the Chesapeake Chorale and an avid participant in the Virginia DAR.

A five-year award certificate was presented to Reverend Dennis Martin

The speaker for the program was Stephen Wilson. Mr.  Wilson is Executive Director at the St. John’s Church Foundation in Richmond, a nonprofit organization established in 1938 whose mission is to spark a global appreciation for understanding the role that Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech had in setting America on its path to liberty for all, and to ignite the public’s interest in preserving the historic site where it happened on 23 March 1775.

Rhodes said our next meeting will be in this room starting at 11:30am on12 April. He further said if you interested in learning more about the Sons of the American Revolution call him 1-804-929-1444 or email: [email protected].