Our American Heritage

In the early 1600s, religious chaos was the order of the day in England. King Henry VIII had established the Church of England by breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church.

A group of nonconformists was known as the Puritans and they eventually broke away from the Church of England. Other groups were totally dissatisfied and they left the organized religion. They were called Independents or Separatists, and they established their own church groups for worship.

Under the reign of Elizabeth they experienced great persecution and suffering. There was little relief under King James. In 1608 one group fled England for Holland where religious liberty was given to all people. These people were later known as Pilgrims. Elder William Brewster led this group of industrious, upright and Godly families. They drew the respect and admiration of their Dutch host.

There was relief from the persecution. However, after twelve years of discussion and prayer they felt a move was in order. They believed the will of God was to start a colony on the shore of the New World.

In 1620 the Pilgrims and the Plymouth Company charter reorganized as the Council of Plymouth. King James allowed them to have religious liberty and to sail from Plymouth, England.

Over 100 brave souls crowded onto the Mayflower in September and landed in the new world on November 9, 1620. They signed the Mayflower Compact of 1620 based on their love for Jesus, and they pledged to fear God as a new nation. This was the Mayflower Compact of 1620.

Our Heritage is from people of faith!  These people displayed great courage and they were so brave it is hard to imagine.

These Christians were the founders of a new land with religious freedom for all.  We remember them today, as well as the faithful men and women of 1776.  Happy Birthday America!  We love you!

A blessed people we are today!

You are loved, 

Pastor Ralph