The District of Columbia (“DC”) Daughters of the American Revolution were joined by members of the DC Sons of the American Revolution, DC Children of the American Revolution and other legacy organizations in celebration of Abraham Baldwin. The Constitution Day 2022 event was held at the St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery on September 17th at Baldwin’s grave site. He is the only signer of the US Constitution buried in the District of Columbia.
Abraham Baldwin was an American minister, patriot, politician, and Founding Father. Born and raised in Connecticut, he was a 1772 graduate of Yale College. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as a chaplain in the Connecticut Contingent of the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War, Baldwin became a lawyer. He moved to the State of Georgia in the mid-1780s and founded the University of Georgia becoming its first president. He was appointed by the Governor of Georgia as a delegate to the Congress of the Confederation and then to the Constitutional Convention. In September 1787 he was one of the state’s two signatories to the U.S. Constitution.
The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain, DC SAR who spoke about Abraham Baldwin’s spiritual upbringing and influences. Beginning first with the role of chaplains in our colonies and the military, he then focused on the unique individuals and circumstances that impacted Baldwin – leading him to serve the community first as a minister, and then as a lawyer, statesman, and advocate for education.
The event was supported by the presentations of colors by the 3rd Infantry Regiment Color Guard and music by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.