The Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution, in conjunction with the Wiregrass Chapter, will hold a Memorial Stone Dedication Program for Revolutionary War soldier, Jim Capers, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church near Orion.

Malon Murphy, Wiregrass Chapter president, said Capers is the first black Revolutionary War soldier documented to be buried in the State of Alabama.

“Jim Capers enlisted in the 4th S.C. Regiment as a drummer,” Murphy said. “The drummer was a key member of the unit during the American Revolution. The drum served the same purpose as the bugle does today.”

Capers applied for a pension in Pike County in 1849. He was 107 years old.

“He said he waited so long because he didn’t realize that, as a free man of color, he was eligible for a pension,” Murphy said.

The Memorial Stone Dedication Program for Jim Capers is a way to remember and recognize the diverse cultural background of the men and women who fought to gain the freedoms Americans have today, Murphy said.

A color guard and a musket volley are planned for the ceremony. A reception will follow the program in the church fellowship hall. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the church sanctuary.

From Troy, traveling north, turn right onto Lockheed Martin Drive, Pike County Road 7707. Travel one mile to a four-way stop. Turn right on Pike County 7714 South and travel .6 miles. Turn left onto Pike County Road 7717. A sign will point toward Bethleham Baptist Church. Travel about a mile and turn right onto Pike County Road 7716. There is a sign indicating the churh. Missionary Baptist Church is located on the left about .2 mile on Pike County Road 7716.