What a grand day it was in Anderson, Grimes County, Texas on 18 April 2026. There were three members of the Thomas Jefferson Stubbs 2523 Conroe Chapter, Texas Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy, who traveled to Anderson, to join in with the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Confederate Plaza and Memorial Statue. Those three ladies were…Bette Garland, Iva Gilliam and Eva Rains. There were several different Sons of Confederate Veterans Camps also attending. Miss JoLee represented the Children of the Confederacy, she serves as an officer in the Major George W. Durant 935 Humble Chapter. She was there with her dad, who is a member of the 4th Texas Field Battery 2358 Tomball.
The Confederate Plaza is owned by the Grimes County Greys Camp 924, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Anderson. Mr. James Thomas Jones assisted the Grimes County Greys in the development of plans for the Memorial Statue, which he gave them detailed artistic guidance and authenticity and also with plans for the Plaza as well.
The sculptor of the Memorial Statue was Payne Lara, who was born and reared in Navasota. At an early age he showed interest in art, winning many awards. The statue was placed at the Plaza in April 2001, sadly James Thomas Jones died in December of 2000.
As the event started, Bill Jones, the bagpiper played and the Lone Star Greys Honor Guard, carrying the flags, marched in, to the cadence played by drummer, Buddy Gurganus. Once the flags were in place, Taps was sounded by Tina Summers and then Jody Ballard, Camp 924 Commander welcomed everyone for attending. A heartfelt invocation was offered by Faber McMullen, the pledges were led by Buddy Gurganus and then he read Lee’s Charge to the assembly.
Bill Jones talked about his dad, James T. Jones and his passion for the SCV and his work concerning the Plaza and Memorial Statue. His dad was a long time member of the Grimes County Greys Camp 924. He then played two selections on the bagpipes, which were…The Bonnie Blue Flag and Dixie. Bill Westmoreland gave a narrative about the creation of the Plaza and Statue and is also a long time member of Camp 924 in Anderson. Last to speak about the event was Eva Rains, as she had attended the dedication in 2001, she gave her memories of that day.
To close out the event, Steve Sodich from the 4th Texas Field Battery 2358 Tomball gave the benediction. He thanked the Lord for us being able to have a beautiful day to honor our Southern Heritage, his prayer was well said. As it is with U D C events, we end our programs by singing DIXIE, we were led by Anita Stevens, member of the Rebel Joan Of Arc 2721, The Woodlands Chapter. She asked that everyone join hands and we all sang DIXIE.
The Grimes County Courthouse was open for the public to tour. Two very knowledgeable ladies, who are with the Historical Commission in Anderson were inside, giving a lot of interesting facts about the courthouse and the city of Anderson. Touring the courthouse is well worth the drive to Anderson.
If you are interested in attending this event next year, it is usually the 3rd Saturday in April, after all, April is Confederate History Month, watch for ads come next March and April.
Article & Picture by Eva Rains, Publicity Chairman for the Stubbs Chapter