St. David’s Episcopal Church Visits Flags
Members of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Delta Township visited the flag collection on Sunday, August 30th as a part of their community forum program. We were pleased to share the collection with them and were able to show two flags that have a direct tie to the early Lansing Episcopal Church.
The rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - whose original Civil War location was in Middle Town (current Lansing downtown) on the corner of Ionia and Washington streets - was the appointed Chaplain of the First Michigan Three Months Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Father Edward Meyer served with the regiment through their three months enlistment, including action at the First Battle of Bull Run.
One year later his eldest 17-year-old son, Henry Meyer, enlisted with Company F, 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment. Henry fought bravely at the Battle of Fox’s Gap at South Mountain and then was killed in action 3 days later on September 17, 1862 at the battle of Antietam. Henry lies in an unmarked grave upon the battlefield.
(left) Members of St. David’s Episcopal Church - including Father Joe Kennedy - viewing flags. (center) Flag of the First Michigan Infantry (Three Months) “Michigan’s Daughters to her sons DEFEND IT” (right) Flag of the 17th Michigan Infantry, including the battle honor for Antietam, where Private Henry Meyer of Lansing’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was killed in action.