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The spires of All Saints' Chapel soared high into the clear, blue sky early Saturday morning. From all directions across campus, Society members walked quietly up the front steps of the chapel and entered the sanctuary. The muffled click of high-heeled shoes was the only sound within the cavernous room.
At the front of the chapel, a table was arranged with 38 white candles. Enormous stained glass windows positioned around the chapel reached skyward. The Ceremony began with the Xi State Officers and past State Presidents filing to their seats as the strains of "Trumpet Tune" could be heard from the magnificent pipe organ. A hush descended upon the hall as a prayer and responsive reading were led by Jean Robinson and Wynona Dye, respectively.
Rosemary Smith's heavenly soprano voice filled the room as she offered her tribute by singing "I Will Glorify Your Name." Lois Jones, Past Xi State President and Xi State Parliamentarian, recalled the contributions that our departed sisters had made in a moving tribute.
As Membership Committee Chair Dorrie Powell reverently called out each sister's name, a candle was lit on the table at the front by Krista Harned and Pat Barnett. On the reading of each name, members of her chapter were asked to stand in remembrance. For the Benediction, Rosemary Smith prayerfully sang "In Remembrance."
Without a word, over 300 members filed out of the sanctuary and lined the walkway surrounding the Chapel. In the stillness of the morning, members held hands as the sweet, melodic notes of "The Delta Kappa Gamma Song" filled the air.
One must be there to truly experience the emotions of love, reverence, respect, and remembrance that embraced this Ceremony of Remembrance. |
