March 17 is well known to most Americans as St. Patrick’s Day. While this is an important day that commemorates some of the deepest Christian roots in our nation, another event took place on the same day in 1776 that helped set the stage for independence. This drama included the fortification of Dorchester Heights. A…
William Bradford begins his journal for 1626 with the news that their pastor, John Robinson, had passed away the previous year. Roger White, a member of the Leyden Congregation, writes the letter to inform those in Plimoth that beyond losing their pastor, “…in England we have lost our old King James, who departed this life,…
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, published anonymously in January of 1776 (250 years ago), ignited the people of the 13 colonies in a way that was truly remarkable. It was like a spark that brought to a flame the deeply held beliefs and principles already resident in colonial minds and hearts. It became an instant bestseller,…
Transition is inevitable. It will touch all of us, especially when it involves the death of a mentor. The disciples of Jesus had to face His departure. He said, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away.” Though they did not want to hear this, the reason was, “If…
Following the creation of the U.S. Navy in October, the Continental Congress formed the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775: “That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other…
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved: “That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and proportionate number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months . . . That a[nother] Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate for expense, and…
The greatest fear the clergy had 250 years ago was that if the Colonies did not resist tyranny lawfully, the Supreme Judge of the Universe would be their adversary. There is no way you can win a war when God opposes you! When George Washington was appointed by the Second Continental Congress to be the…
Today we often celebrate and interpret the Declaration of Independence (which soon turns 250) outside its historic context. But there would not have been a Declaration of Independence if there had not been A Declaration Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms. Ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 6,…
On June 17, 1825, at the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, over 100,000 people (including 190 veterans of the actual battle) witnessed the Marquis de Lafayette, “America’s Guest” from France who fought with us for our independence, lay the cornerstone for the monument. Daniel Webster, master of ceremonies, closed by saying; “Let…
On Wednesday, May 10, 1775, at about sunrise, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold pounded on the door of the British commander of Fort Ticonderoga. When opened, Allen demanded that the fort be surrendered. When asked by what authority, Allen responded, “In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!” The British at Fort…
The Hancock-Clarke house in Lexington is a quarter of a mile off the green where 8 militia lost their lives and 10 were wounded on April 19, 1775 (250 years ago). It had been built by Rev. John Hancock, Patriot John Hancock’s grandfather, in 1737. Rev. Jonas Clarke, who had become Lexington’s pastor in 1755…
About two weeks before March 23, 1775, when Patrick Henry would deliver his most famous speech, his wife Sarah had passed away after an awful mental illness where she had to be restrained from hurting herself. St. John’s Church in Henrico Parish was the only building large enough to hold the 2nd Virginia Convention on…
Thomas Barnard, Jr., born in 1748, was 27 years old on February 26, 1775 (250 years ago). Fewer than three years before, he had become pastor of North Church in Salem after his father had become paralyzed in 1770. Thomas’ legacy of reformed theology went back to his great-grandfather, Thomas Barnard, who had later repented…
Edmund Burke was born January 12, 1729 in Dublin, Ireland. Though his mother, Mary, was a Roman Catholic, he adhered to the Protestant beliefs of his father, Richard, remaining in the Anglican Church. While attending Protestant Trinity College in 1744, he started his own debating society, “Edmund Burke’s Club.” Though his father desired him to…
This iconic picture, taken on December 20, 1920, recreated the attempt to move Plymouth Rock from the waterfront on December 22, 1774. Both events were strategically done close to Forefathers Day, the day the Pilgrims stepped on Plymouth Rock in 1620. But why did they want to move the Rock in memory of the Pilgrims…