With the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, and the beginning of the War Between the States in 1861; the stage was set for morning rites that were practiced by all members of society. The grieving fell to the women, wives, sisters, mothers, and other family and friends. This was to become a normal part of their lives. Many times death came to those who were far away from home. Local women then took the place of the absent family. They honored the life the soldier had given for the South.

   Serviced were very simple, flowers were few but the honor given to those brave soldiers was sincere and heartfelt. The Ladies dressed in morning clothes and took a handful of petals to spread on the coffin or graveside. Today the Black Roses & Gentlemen Grey of the Texas Society Order of Confederate Rose, Inc. continues that tradition by having a silent service for those who gave their service and sometimes their

lives during the War Between the States, whom we remember and honor today. The ladies dress in period

mourning clothes of the 1860s, while the men dress in CSA uniforms, we pause a moment of reflection at the gravesite and sprinkle petals on the grave-site.

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   The Texas Society of the Black Rose is a volunteer order to perpetuate the persona of a War Between the States widow, widower and to accompany them at SCV and other approved Confederate functions, memorial services, and grave dedications. The Texas Society's Black Rose Handbook and Ceremony are TSOCR's intellectual creations and properties and cannot be copied or performed in part or whole by any other organization. The Texas Society of the Black Rose, Inc. is open to all members in good standing in The Texas Society Order of Confederate Rose, Inc., (male and female) with no additional membership dues required.