Aiken

[L Verge]

Funny story related to Sherman: Starting at age 12, I was an Episcopal church organist for the next 26 years. Even though I knew it was a Yankee song, I have always loved the Battle Hymn of the Republic. So one 4th of July Sunday, I decided to play it as the postlude as people filed out of church.

As soon as he had greeted the last person, our priest came storming up the aisle and said, with teeth gritted, "Laurie, that is the last time you will ever play that song while I am in charge of this church!"

I was about 15 at the time and knew about the Civil War, but my mother later explained to me that the priest was born and raised in Georgia and that Sherman's men sang Mrs. Howe's song as they devastated the state.

I still love the song and get a tear in my eye when I hear it sung correctly.