The Promise Traditional Cache

In the 1960’s a young man in his 30’s was in prison. I don’t know why. While there he came close to death, and made a promise that if he lived, he would honor the Virgin Mary in a special way. At the age of 44, in 1971, the man kept his promise. In a rural, small town in western Georgia, over 200 citizens turned out with a band and several ministers, a priest and a deacon to dedicate a special memorial and tribute.

In 1971, Fred Lafayette Hammock spent $40,000 on marble statuary to venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary and as a memorial for members of his family. If still alive, Fred would be in his late 70’s now. I’ve made a nominal search for his identity on the internet and have been unsuccessful.

In any case, as a person who appreciates funerary art, I found this astonishing display of marble artwork in a small, rural town’s edge, a beautiful testament to an enduring promise. There are also three Confederate soldiers resting in the arms of Mother Earth here.

I’m not telling on Fred, his gift is a matter of public record. See http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/1971/09/09/b/?s=bremen for further information about this promise.

Park on the margin of the road. This is a VERY low volume area for traffic. The cache is family friendly in a smaller, green ammo canister. I would recommend that families with children BEWARE the headstones in this cemetery. Many were placed without footings, and might easily topple on a child playing around them.

When you reach the coordinates you will be immediately in front of the statue. If you stand with your back to her and walk 47 average, WOman-sized paces (about 100 feet) due west, you will be right at the cache. Please stop and take a few minutes to examine the lovely artwork of the stone carvers, and to contemplate the words of St. Francis’ prayer carved into the border of the grave sites. Whatever tradition you do or do not worship in, please pause to remember the value of promises made and the wonder of promises kept.

Be sure to re-hide the cannister when you're done. Thanks.