Legend of the Lady Banks Rose

Back on April 2, 1865, much of Selma was looted and burned

 in one of the last battles of the Civil War. The Rev. Arthur Small,

 young pastor of the Presbyterian Church, was among 2,000 volunteer

 defenders, but he went ahead and preached his sermon

 before Union troops arrived.

 That sermon was to be his last.

 He died in battle, and when his body was laid upon the steps 

 of the church manse, it is said that the Lady Banks rosebush nearby 

 cried its petals upon the beloved pastor's body.

 Small is buried in Old Live Oak Cemetery. 

This Lady Banks rose blooms in the courtyard

 of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church,

 formerly First Presbyterian Church of Selma.  

Linking to Monday Mellow Yellows

 

Roses by the River

The Lady Banks roses are beginning to bloom

 across an ornate fence by the Alabama River.

 The shrub bears dainty blossoms without thorns and can be seen

 in many Selma yards as well as the municipal park by City Hall

 and the courtyard at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. 

Linking to Good Fences