The Rock Spring United Methodist Church Prayer Quilt Ministry Team is presenting its latest creation, an Underground Railroad quilt, made with Civil War reproduction fabrics in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga.
The historic-replica sampler quilt is being sold at this year’s “Show and Sell,” being held Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets to put one’s name in the quilt drawing are $1 each or six for $5.
RSUMC pastor’s wife Rachel Peele, who leads the quilting team, explained that when slaves were trying to escape up north, the Southerners willing to help them escape made the secret passageway known as the Underground Railroad. Safe-house stations were established and lights would flicker in the windows to give the slaves signals. Quilts with stitched symbol messages would hang in the yards to tell them which way to go.
RSUMC’s reproduction quilt contains squares that show geese flying to show which direction to go, and a bear to show where to find food. The quilt was machine-pieced on top and hand-quilted throughout with cotton batting.
About 50 arts and crafts booths will be at the Show and Sell fundraiser, at which patrons can also purchase homemade cakes, pies, vegetable soup, cornbread, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, funnel cakes and fried Oreos. Inflatables and a tractor show are also part of the day’s festivities.
The event is being held at the church, 3477 Peavine Road at the corner of Highway 95 and Peavine Road. To learn more call 706-764-1404.