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"How many people in this audience are
Camerons?"
Nearly 75 right hands were
upraised in Barbecue Presbyterian Church Tuesday (July 27, 1972) afternoon in
response to an inquiry posed by Rev. James MacKenzie of Robbins, a former
pastor.
The Camerons of many ages plus a
dozen or so who were not of this name or married to a Cameron, had gathered at 2
p.m. on a hot summer day for a rare event - to welcome the worldwide Chief of
Clan Cameron.
Colonel Donald H. Cameron of
Lochiel, presented by Rev. MacKenzie as the 26th Chief of Clan Cameron, was
asked to speak "what is in his heart."
A tall, erect Scotsman in his
50's, with bright blue eyes and dressed casually in a light tan jacket, arose
and said simply, "It is a pleasure to be able to come here and see so many
of our kinsmen."
"We hope to see more of you
at Grandfather Mountain. (The reference was to the forthcoming annual
gathering of the Clans at Grandfather Mountain on July 7-9).
The Camerons have spread over the
world, said the chief, "In our travels to Australia, Canada, and South
Africa, we have found them in every place we have visited. Everywhere it
is a pleasure to note their love and interest in their homeland."
The Chief explained that he and
his wife still reside at Achnacarry Castle, ancestral home of Clan Cameron, a
clan which dates back to the 13th century. He said his father and mother
had visited North Carolina in the 20's and had gone to Flora Macdonald College.
"I recall often their
comments about the warm welcome they received in Carolina, and particularly the
courtesy of Dr. Vardell, then president of the college," said Colonel
Cameron.
The Chief referred to the fact
that his younger brother, Charles is married to a descendant of Flora Macdonald,
the Scottish heroine who attempted to rally the Highlanders for the Crown in the
American Revolution. She had worshipped at Barbecue while living in the
Cape Fear Valley.
Colonel Cameron spoke praise of
the efforts of the late Burton Cameron of Broadway and Dan Cameron of Raleigh in
organizing a Grandfather Mountain branch of the Clan Cameron and his regret
"Mr. Cameron had not lived to be with us today."
Earlier, the Chief and his Lady
had been guests of honor at a luncheon given by Mrs. Burton Cameron at her home
in Broadway.
Mrs. Cameron had made the
arrangements for the visit to Barbecue Church, oldest church in the Cape Fear
Valley, inviting the former minister, now president of the N.C. Presbyterian
Historical Society to explain the history of the church to the visitors.
The Scottish Chief and Mrs.
Cameron have been house guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Labouisse of Durham who
accompanied them to Broadway. Mrs. Labouisse is the former Sally Cameron,
member of a prominent Raleigh family. The Chief is in North Carolina to
attend the annual Scottish games and gathering of the clans at Grandfather
Mountain, where he will be the guest of honor. Colonel Cameron has visited
in the state before but this will mark the first time he has attended the
Grandfather Mountain celebrations.
Following the brief greeting in
the sanctuary, guests were invited by Mrs. Dorothy Cameron Hales to the
fellowship hall for refreshments served by the Women of the Church. Lime
punch, cake and mints were served from a large table covered with a gold cloth
and decorated with a large vase of red and yellow roses. Mrs. Alleene
Cameron Lyon, Mrs. Dannie Pace, Mrs. Marianna Cameron and Mrs. Eloise Cameron
Kelly alternated in serving. Guests registered with Mrs. Virginia Cameron
and Mrs. Meta Cameron.
Earlier the distinguished
visitors had been taken on a tour of the historic churchyard by Rev. MacKenzie.
They saw the slave graves, the old colonial road, the Cornwallis hole, the
spring where Flora Macdonald drank, the remains of the first log church
foundations, the grave of the stranger. Historical mementoes of the
Heritage Room in the church vestibule were also examined by the chief and other
visitors who included Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cameron of Raleigh.
Mrs. Cameron, the Chief's Lady,
interviewed while walking to the spring, explained that the castle that they
call home is the one used in World War II for the training of British
Commandoes. It was also the training base for many American Rangers.
The castle, located 10 miles from the ocean, was first built by Sir Ewen,
the 17th of Lochiel, and destroyed in 1746, but it was rebuilt, and the present
building dates from 1837.
She said her husband raised sheep
on their 100,000 acre holdings and is active in many business activities in the
Highlands.
The Camerons have four children,
two daughters and two sons. The daughters are Ann Nott-Bower and Caroline
Hardman, both married to businessmen in London.
The older son, Donald Angus,
recently completed his training as an accountant. "He had his
father's mathematical brains," explained his mother. Colonel Cameron
is vice-president of the Royal Bank of Scotland. As a reward, son Donald
Angus is now on a "holiday trip" around the world, and is currently in
Australia. Their youngest son, Johnny, is in school, completing his last
term and plans to enter the university next year. |
