Home

The Missing Nuns

Submitted by site admin on 15. July 2008 - 7:57
Published in


A sister from the orphans home made a cross upon her chest
Cause a one iron beast was coming from the east
And another one was coming from the west


The birds flew from the treetops as the impact shook the ground
The screaming wheels and the grinding steel
Could be heard for miles around


Now every July 9th a few miles west of town
To this day some folks say
You can hear that mournful sound


- from "The Great Nashville Nashville Railroad Disaster",
by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Vanhoy copyright (c) 1980.
Lyrics used with permission. View the complete lyrics
listen to a 30-second MP3 sample.



A Sister of the Dominican Order observes Dutchman's Curve on July 9, 2007 Photo by Cyndea WendellA Sister of the Dominican Order observes
Dutchman's Curve on July 9, 2007
Photo by Cyndea Wendell


After the wreck attention was called to several trunks which had been broken open by the impact, and which contained clothing and habits belonging to Sisters of the Dominican Order. Those knowing this fact became much alarmed, knowing that several of the sisters were about due from Memphis. The nuns teach school at the sacred Heart convent in Memphis during the school year, and come to the home convent, St. Cecilia, to spend the summer.

The telephone was called into service and inquiries made as to the members of the order expected. But it was found that while the trunks were their property, the owners had come in Monday night. Their trunks were delayed and came on the train leaving Memphis Monday night.


- from The Tennessean, July 10, 1918