Black,Golden Rose, Thorn and
Other Roses

Order Of Black Rose

Black Rose Information

At the 1998 North Carolina OCR convention in Charlotte, the “Society of the Black Rose” was approved by the members as a part of the state organization.

​The goals of the founder, Yvonne Brown, was to organize a statewide network to help with memorial services, to enlighten the men and ladies to proper persona, to offer services or assist with services locally and statewide, and services in other states by invitation. The structure was setup to have a “Keeper of the Rite” who would serve as a contact person and keeper of the services that can be adopted to help the SCV or anyone honoring a Confederate or a Confederate Memorial in their region. She would have a list of the members and their phone numbers. She would make calls when widows were needed and could be divided into East and West divided regions.

The Black Rose was named in honor of the greatest widow in the Confederacy who risked her personal safety for the Confederate Cause and lost her life trying to help the The Cause, Rose O’Neal Greenhow.

The Society of the Black Rose is a volunteer order to perpetuate the persona of a War Between the States widow at SCV functions, memorial services, grave dedications, etc.; and is open to any dues paying member of the Order of Confederate Rose (no additional dues required). This includes Women, Men and Children. There are now Black Rose Societies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana and with other states in the process of organizing. There is a need for this group and the service we can offer. The Black Rose can assist locally as small groups with memorial services or programs, and with other states for special services.

Requirements for Membership in the Society of the Black Rose

Black Rose members must be a member of the OCR in your state (either a chapter member or a Member-at-Large) to join.

Members must have a complete period mourning outfit (period appropriate partial mourning is also acceptable).

There is no membership fee.

Guidelines for the Society of the Black Rose

Member will receive a membership certificate to the Society of the Black Rose.

The Society will act under your state society with a coordinator “Keeper of the Rite” as a contact person, when SCV, MOSB, or others have need of mourners for dedications and memorial services.

The original Society of the Black Rose was formed in North Carolina and now in South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana and more state societies are organizing all the time.

We now have our own Order of the Black Rose Membership Pin (for all states to use). If you wish to purchase fill out the application above (even if you are a member) so we may have an updated information. Suzy or Yvonne will have pins at this convention and they are $15.00 each.

ocr_renewal_form.pdf

( Download File )

The Golden Rose

Golden Rose Information

A golden rose is a lady who has reached the age of 75. She is then eligible to be a Golden member of the Order of Confederate Rose. She will no longer pay dues and be issued a special membership certificate. She will retain full voting and office holding privileges.

Georgia's Golden Roses

Nancy Retha Willis – Chapter 8 – Crimson Glory
Rebecca Yarbrough – Chapter 2 – Lena Bella Foye Smith
Barbara Goodrich – Chapter 7 – Lucy Matilda Kenney
​Zona Gayle Watkins- Chapter 7 – Lucy Matilda Kenney
A “Thorn” is a male member of the Order of Confederate Rose. Usually the spouse of a Rose, but may also be any male who is interested in supporting the Order of Confederate Rose. SCV members in good standing pay no additional dues. The term “Thorn” is in no way meant to be derogatory. It comes from the thorns of the rosebush, protecting the roses as we trust our Thorns will protect us.

Thorn Information

A “Thorn” is a male member of the Order of Confederate Rose. Usually the spouse of a Rose, but may also be any male who is interested in supporting the Order of Confederate Rose. SCV members in good standing pay no additional dues. The term “Thorn” is in no way meant to be derogatory. It comes from the thorns of the rosebush, protecting the roses as we trust our Thorns will protect us.

Order of Confederate Rose Colors

Blue for the Bonnie Blue Flag and attaining the impossible
Crimson Red for the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
Gray for the Soldiers
Green new life and new birth
Pink in memory of Rose O’Neal Greenhow
Purple for Widows and orphans
Yellow for new beginning
White peace and purityYellow for new beginning
When we add a Single Black rose it is for mourning the loss of a specific member. This was put together for our ceremony honoring deceased members. Black Moruning because we mourn the loss of our Sister and Friend. White Peace because we are surrounded by the peace of Christ and the members love for us. Yellow new beginning because member has begun a new chapter of her life. Blue represents the firmament and the Bonnie Blue flag, we look up and behold Gods creation. Red for the blood of Christ shed on the cross for our salvation. Green represents new life and new birth thru Christ our Savior. Purple represents the friends she left behind. Pink is the memory color. For us to remember all our friends who have left us for a little while.