The Chickamauga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding at First-Centenary United Methodist Church.
The Chapter was organized on Oct. 7, 1894. It was the first DAR chapter to be organized in Chattanooga, the third in Tennessee, and the 128th chapter nationally. Ameila Morrow (Mrs. Hiram S.) Chamberlain was the organizing regent. There were 18 charter members. The first yearbook and minutes were dated 1902.
The Chapter has been visible during war time, made donations to national DAR Schools, assisted in Brainerd Mission Cemetery preservation, donated to grave markers, participated in naturalization ceremonies, given books to schools and the public library, given scholarships to the University of Chattanooga, and planted trees. The chapter also has supported Constitution Hall (DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C.), donated to the Ellis Island Wall of Honor and the Statue of Liberty, given their time and funds to veterans and active duty military, and helped to form other Chattanooga Chapters.
Today, the Chapter continues to promote patriotism and good citizenship, and is involved in personal outreach to ensure membership growth in the coming years. They focus on historic preservation, education, and honoring the DAR motto, which is “God, Home and Country.” The Chapter works with the four other DAR Chapters in Chattanooga and the John Sevier Chapter Sons of the American Revolution on various projects throughout the year.
Those attending the celebration included: State Regent Susan Thomas; State First Vice Regent Charlotte Reynolds; State Registrar Wanda Garrett; State Parliamentarian Luanne Dewitt; National Vice President General Nancy Hemmrich; Past Chapter Regents Marilyn Dammann, Sue Ward, Gordon Scales, and Carol Rogers; numerous Chickamauga Chapter members; and members of local and regional DAR and SAR chapters. Other guests included Douglas Fairbanks, pastor of First-Centenary UMC; Carol Berz, District 6 city councilwoman; SAR State President Claude Hardison; Jason Eller, Tamassee DAR school representative; and two great-granddaughters of Chamberlain – Betsy Chamberlain Tuller and Nan Chamberlain Smith.
Joye Duke was chairman of the event. Marilyn Long presented a history of the chapter at the historical archives table. Lee Parham is the current regent of the Chickamauga DAR Chapter and can be contacted at chickamaugaregent@tndar.org.
Source: Chickamauga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution