Newsletter of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida The Mayflower by Dr. Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs Director, Leiden American Pilgrim Museum Leiden, Netherlands Copyright (c) J. D. Bangs. All rights reserved. Used with Dr. Bangs written permission. Vol. 39 No. 3 - Fall 2014 Chartered 31 July 1937 Richard S. Wheeler, Editor GOVERNOR S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Florida Mayflower Society Members: F or nearly three years, we have traveled together working toward improving our Society of Mayflower Descendants. In the words of Henry Ford: Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. It has been my pleasure to serve as your state Governor and I am grateful for a great team of officers who have inspired new ideas and moved us forward. The 75th year anniversary of our Florida Society, the Challenge Coins, visiting each colony connecting with old friends, and meeting new members will always be some of my fondest memories. The Society has excelled in gaining new members and I look forward to our continued growth. I think of us all as family, united by a common historical bond. I believe it is also YOU, the members, who carry the torch and make the difference. I wish my successor all the best and may we continue to grow and prosper. Ren Cushing (941) renmur605@comcast.net Governor Reynolds P. Cushing <><> IN THIIS ISSUE <><> Governor s Message 1 Membership Changes 2-3 Notice of 2014 Annual Meeting 3 Report of 2014 Nominating Committee 4-6 Colony News 6-11, 14 Restoration of First Parish Meetinghouse 12 Ren Cushing Elected GSMD Captain General 13 77th Annual Meeting 13 Announcement from GSMD Executive Committee Member-at- Large GSMD Scholarship FSMD Scholarship 15 Legal Stuff from Editor 16 Membership Info /Changes 16 The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 1

2 All persons over eighteen years of age who are descended from a passenger on the Mayflower on the voyage which terminated at Plymouth, New England, in December 1620, shall be eligible for membership. Article III, Section 1, FSMD By-Laws MEMBERSHIP CHANGES (from 1 May 2014 through 30 Sept 2014) NEW MEMBERS Name Location Gen/FL #s Ancestor Colony Kelsey Soderstrom Roberts Berthoud, CO 86908/5040 Richard Warren Bradford Samuel Lawrence Chapman New York, NY 86945/5041 John Howland Tilley Dorothy Bradford Conomos Orlando 86946/5042 James Chilton Alden Rodney S. Graves Stuart 86947/5043 Richard Warren Allerton Karen Kase Quintero Tarpon Springs 86948/5044 John Howland Bradford Richard McCallum Geib Cape Coral 86963/5045 John Alden Samson Sherrie Lee Higgins Cape Coral 86964/5046 John Howland Samson Ann Schofield Kremer Bonita Springs 86965/5047 William White Standish Alison Ann Winnicki-Tycoliz Key West 86995/5048 Francis Cooke Brewster Mikayla Kathryn Goetz Cocoa 87066/5049 Richard Warren Howland Richard Cornelious Jacobs Celebration 87067/5050 William Bradford Howland Nancy Plummer Jahnig Ft. Myers 87068/5051 Isaac Allerton Samson Charles Carter Morgan Bonita Springs 87089/5052 Richard Warren Samson John Gray Howland Bryceville 87129/5054 John Howland Warren Kenneth Francis Merriman Port Charlotte 87130/5055 Edward Doty Tilley Barbara Jean Bittner Fort Myers 87147/5056 Isaac Allerton Samson John Patrick Kent Lighthouse Point 87180/5057 John Alden Alden Nancy Devoe Webert Naples 87181/5058 George Soule Standish Audray Lee Jubinville Clement Fairfax, VA 87193/5059 Richard Warren Standish Nancy Tourgee Mauro Clearwater 87210/5060 William White Bradford Sarah Frances Snare Dowling Pinecrest 87246/5061 John Alden Brewster George Russell Perkins Tallahassee 87247/5062 John Howland Winslow Linda Ann (Norman) Anderson Boca Raton 87286/5063 Samuel Fuller Alden Ruth Elizabeth Bogert Wible The Villages 87285/5064 Thomas Rogers Chilton Cynthia Carol Williams Grossberg Atlantic Beach 87284/5065 William White Warren Rebecca Ann Bandy Safety Harbor 87287/5066 Richard Warren Fuller Cecily (Champlain) Corsino Winter Haven 87343/5067 Billington Fuller Nancy Kay LaFortune Palm Bay 87344/5068 Isaac Allerton Hopkins TRANSFERS IN/OUT Name Location Gen/FL #s Ancestor Colony Russell Alden Rockwell Port St. Lucie 60234/5039 John Alden Hopkins TR IN FROM NC Janice Rae Snyder Sly Vero Beach 79752/5053 George Soule Hopkins TR IN FROM GA RESIGNED IN GOOD STANDING Mary Alma Baxter Birch 52392/3290 Myles Standish Doty Elizabeth G. Johnson-Ruane Jacksonville 77796/4339 James Chilton Warren Janell Ruth Lopus 78997/4411 John Alden Standish Dorothy Virginia Fort McLucas 66259/3553 John Alden Mullins Ryan Hunter May 81705/4634 Tilley Samson REINSTATEMENTS Mark Sardelis Ft. Lauderdale 81339/4608 Edward Doty Alden The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 2

3 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25-26 IN MEMORIAM Name Date of Death Gen/FL #s Ancestor Colony Stephen Hale Gushee 06 Apr /4668 Myles Standish Allerton Louanna Gertrude (Markle) Mueller 03 May /4907 William Bradford Tilley Vivian Irene Hunter Stoltz 12 May /3736 William Bradford Chilton Donald Price Longstreet 13 Jul /3935 William Brewster Standish Benjamin Charles Patt 03 Aug /4119 Thomas Rogers Hopkins Jeannette S. Lindsey 25 Aug /2668 William Bradford Bradford NOTICE OF 2014 ANNUAL MEETING P LEASE TAKE NOTICE that the 2014 annual meeting of the members of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida ( FSMD ) will be held on Saturday 22 Nov 2014 from 9am until noon at the Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch located at 6231 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota, FL, for the transaction of the following business: 1. DGG & AG reports on 40th GSMD Triennial General Congress in Plymouth, MA 2. FSMD officers reports 3. Committee chair reports 4. Colony reports 5. Memorial service for departed members 6. Adoption of proposed new Bylaws & Standing Rules 7. Election of officers for term 8. Installation of new officers 9. Any other lawful business which is properly brought before the meeting Jessie Jessie F. Brabham FSMD Secretary The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 3

4 REPORT OF 2014 NOMINATING COMMITTEE A t the 2013 FSMD annual meeting, a Nominating Committee was chosen consisting of Suzanne Adams, governor of Winslow Colony and state Education Committee chair; Laura Farmer, past governor ( ) and historian ( ) of Warren Colony; and Ruth Ann Fay, past governor and current vice governor of Cooke Colony and state Endowment Fund trustee Section 4 of Article V (Officers) of FSMD s current bylaws provides: Section 4. A nominating committee, consisting of three members, shall be elected at the annual meeting preceding the annual meeting for the election of officers. This committee shall present the names of a full slate of officers at the regular time for the election of officers. However, names may be presented from the floor for any of the positions to be filled. The slate of officers to be presented by the Committee at the 2014 annual meeting for election for the term are: GOVERNOR: Kenneth E. Carter (Chilton Colony) DEPUTY GOVERNOR: James W. Preston (Fuller Colony) Ken has been a FSMD member since 2 Jan He has served as State Junior Membership Chair (2004), State Elder ( ), State Captain ( ) and State Deputy Governor ( ). He also served as treasurer of Mullins Colony (2004) and Chilton Colony ( ). He was the inaugural colony governor of Chilton Colony ( ) and has been chair of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since Jim has been a FSMD member since 13 June He has served as State Captain ( , as State Junior Membership Chair ( ) and as colony governor of Fuller Colony ( ). He has been a member of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 4

5 SECRETARY: Jessie F. Brabham (Mullins & Chilton Colonies) TREASURER: Henry F. Dressel (Howland Colony) <<< Jessie has been a FSMD member since 7 Jan She has served as State Secretary ( ) and as colony secretary ( ) and colony historian ( ) of Mullins Colony. She has been a member of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since Hank has been a FSMD - ->>> member since 14 Aug He has served as State Treasurer ( ) and as colony governor of Howland Colony ( ). He has been re-elected colony governor for a 4th term ( ). He has been a member of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since HISTORIAN: Muriel Curtis Cushing (Tilley & Samson Colonies) COUNSELLOR: Richard S. Wheeler (Warren & Chilton & Howland Colonies) <<< Muriel has been a FSMD member since 22 Nov She has served as State Historian since 1999 and as Florida s AG on the GSMD General BoA since She served as colony historian of Tilley Colony for 5 years before being elected State Historian. She also served two terms as captain of Tilley Colony, two terms as board member of Tilley Colony and two terms as board member of Samson Colony. For GSMD, she served as alternate AG three times and alternate DGG once. She is Co-Chair of GSMD s DNA committee, Chair of GSMD s Women of the Mayflower Committee and chair of GSMD s mtdna Project. She served on GSMD s Historic Sites Committee for 6 years and on GSMD a 5G's project for 6 years. She is President of the Delano Kindred of America and Vice President of the Henry Samson Kindred. She has been a member of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since Richard (above right) has been a FSMD member since 17 Dec He served from as colony governor of Warren Colony & from July 2011 to the present as editor of the FSMD newsletter. He was appointed 17 Nov 2012 to serve the unexpired term of Edward Delano Sullivan as State Counsellor. He has been a member of FSMD s Bylaws Committee since The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 5

6 CAPTAIN: Helen O. Bennett (Bradford Colony) ELDER: Suzanne Adams (Winslow Colony) <<< - Helen has been a FSMD member since 15 Dec She is the current ( ) vice governor of the Bradford Colony and editor of its newsletter. She was the winner of the inaugural Governor s Honor Roll Award at the 2013 annual meeting in recognition of her outstanding volunteer performance for the betterment of her colony. Suzanne has been a FSMD == >>> member since 19 Feb She has served as captain and vice governor of Winslow Colony and as colony governor from and She has also served as State Education Chair since BoA MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Ron Dailey (Mullins & Warren Colonies) Alvene Watson (Hopkins Colony) Laura Sharpe Brock (Bradford Colony) Ron Dailey has been a FSMD member since 3 May He is also a Life Member in VA and NC and has served as colony governor of the NC Northeast Colony since In Florida, he has served since 2011 as State Membership Chair and Webmaster and also as colony treasurer of Mullins Colony. He was elected last April as colony treasurer of Warren Colony for and in May as the new colony governor of Mullins Colony for At the GSMD General BoA meeting in Sept 2012 in Mt. Laurel, NJ, he received a Governor General s Commendation & Appreciation Award for outstanding service to GSMD s and several state societies websites. Alvene Watson has been a FSMD member since 5 Dec She has served as colony vice governor of Hopkins Colony from and as colony governor since Laura Sharpe Brock has been a FSMD member since May She served as colony governor of Bradford Colony from and as colony historian and director from She has recently been re-elected colony governor for She has been State Scholarship Committee Chair since At the GSMD General BoA meeting in Sept 2013 in New Orleans, she received a Governor General s Commendation & Appreciation Award for outstanding service to Bradford Colony and FSMD. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 6

7 <><><><><> NEWS FROM ACROSS THE SUNSHINE STATE - OUR COLONIES IN ACTION <><><><><> RICHARD WARREN COLONY T wenty members and guests of the Richard Warren Colony gathered for the Spring membership meeting on Sat 19 Apr 2014 at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville. The meeting was called to order at 12 noon by colony governor Richard S. Wheeler. The invocation was given by colony deputy governor, Jon H. Wheeler. The Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag and the Salute to the Mayflower Society flag were led by colony captain, Michael J. Boutin. All joined in reading of The American Creed. Special guests visiting from the Mullins Colony were state secretary (and Mullins Colony secretary and historian) Jessie Brabham and state membership chair and webmaster (and Mullins Colony treasurer) Ron Dailey accompanied by his wife Cecelia. Members introduced themselves and their guests. Prospective members present were Jeanne Davis, Sylvia Millard and Cheryl Anderton.. The two newest colony members and their spouses were also present: Kimberly Quintanilla and her husband Rene (aka Quint) from St. Marys, GA, and Carolyn Leonard and her husband Brian from St John, FL. In lieu of a program, the colony conducted its election and installation of officers for the coming three years. Governor Selsor expressed his deepest gratitude for the confidence the colony s members had shown in entrusting him with the leadership of the colony for the next 3 years. He also expressed his solemn commitment to do his very best to keep (in Bradford s phrase) the one candle s light alive and burning brightly. He presented a certificate of appreciation to each of the outgoing colony officers present (Richard Wheeler, Jon Wheeler, George Lockhart and Mike Boutin) for their dedicated service to the colony. Lockhart (pictured above left) had served as colony treasurer for the past 9 years, truly devoted service. ELDER WILLIAM BREWSTER COLONY New colony officers for the term were elected by the members and installed by Governor Wheeler. From left to right: captain Ernest Wilkes, historian Mary Ellen Boyd, outgoing governor Wheeler, incoming governor Harry Selsor and treasurer Ron Dailey. Not present at the meeting were colony deputy governor Alice Clark and elder N. Miles Schueth. T he Elder William Brewster Colony held its Spring luncheon meeting Friday 4 Apr 2014 at the Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove. Meet and greet reception was at 1130am followed by a delicious luncheon. Choices were Caesar salad with chicken breast, almond chicken crepes or shrimp platter a la Luis. Dessert was a choice of creamy key lime pie or yummy cheese cake. Our colony captain, Jon Stemples, was our excellent host. Colony governor Clara Waterman Powell welcomed the attendees. Colony captain Jon Stemples led the Pledge to the US Flag. Colony elder Richard Friberg provided an inspiring invocation. Self introductions by colonists followed including a reference to their passengers and an introduction of their guests. A special welcome was extended to first time attendees drawn by the excellent speaker and news releases. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 7

8 Archaeologist Joshua Marano presented a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on "Current Archaeological Investigations in Biscayne National Park. Interpretive Park Ranger Liz Edwards discussed the "Programs at Biscayne National Park" and Homestead's free trolley service to the National Parks. Colony historian Dr. Don Randolph with his wife Charlen provided a member update. Colony treasurer Melanie Davis assured us we were solvent. Colony governor Clara Waterman Powell announced she would be attending the Spring Board of Assistants Meeting April 12 in Lakeland. She also noted that the Florida State bylaws were revised and to look for their inclusion in the newsletter as well as special communications this summer. A slate of colony officers for was proposed and additional nominations were encouraged. Elections and officer installation will be held at the Fall meeting Friday 26 Sept L to R: colony governor Clara Waterman Powrll, Joshua Marano & Liz Edwards L-R Standing: Charlen Randolph, colony elder Richard Friberg, Edward Powell, Lucy Hanafourde, Susan Allen, Devaney Crafton, Sally Dowling, Lee Allen, colony governor Clara Waterman Powell, colony captain Jon Stemples, Robert Owers, colony historian Donald Randolph, and Steven Kravchuk. L-R Seated: Denise Jemeson, colony secretary Melanie Davis, colony secretary Teryl Sovacool, Marie Wagner, Richard Cromartie Jr., Barbara Cromartie, and Ruth Henshaw. FRANCIS COOKE COLONY Colony secretary Teryl Sovacool read the The Mayflower Pledge. Colony captain Jon Stemples read the Mayflower Compact. Colony e l d e r R i c h a r d Friberg closed our meeting with his moving benediction. We visited with old friends and made new friends, had a wonderful meal, and heard a marvelous speaker. Please Mayflowerpowell@aol.com if you would like to join us at a future meeting. (article & photos courtesy of Clara Waterman Powell) T he Spring meeting of the Francis Cooke Colony was called to order at the Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach at noon on Sat 12 Apr 2014 by colony vice governor Ruth Ann Fay. Colony governor Lara Yancey was absent due to her attendance at the Spring BoA meeting in Lakeland. Ruth Ann welcomed the 36 members, prospective members and guests present. Caol Smith s invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag and Salute to the Mayflower flag, both led by Ruth Ann. In the absence of Nelda Thomas, colony secretary, Mary Casey did a splendid job of taking minutes and also presided over the Ancestors Roll Call. There was a 4-way tie as John Howland, John Tilley, Joan Hurst Tilley and Elizabeth Tilley each had 4 descendants present. Colony treasurer Jennifer Link gave a report on the colony s finances. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 8

9 Julie Simison, colony historian, was unable to attend but provided a written report which was read by Ruth Ann. Cooke Colony now has 80 members with the death of Francis Taylor Pearson Plimpton Jr and the addition of new member William Harold Debord. There is one application and one supplemental in Plymouth awaiting approval. There was no old or new business and, after a grace given by colony elder Carol Smith, lunch was served. After lunch, Ruth Ann introduced the guest speaker John Mann, who spoke on the subject of lighthouses in old Europe and in colonial days. Mr. Mann s lecture was quite fascinating and was accompanied by beautiful color slides. Justin Warner read The Mayflower Compact and the meeting was adjourned. (submitted by colony secretary Nelda Thomas) WILLIAM MULLINS COLONY T he Spring membership meeting of the William Mullins Colony was held Saturday 3 May 2014 at the Elks Lodge #286 in Ocala and was called to order at noon by colony governor Richard Sumner. The podium was graced with the handsome drape which the colony recently purchased from GSMD s online insignia shop. The invocation was given by Cecelia Dailey, wife of colony treasurer Ron Dailey, and the pledge of allegiance to the US flag and salute to the Mayflower Society flag were led by Governor Sumner, who also welcomed the guests present. Special guests were FSMD Deputy Governor Ken Carter of the neighboring James Chilton Colony in The Villages accompanied by his wife Kathleen and FSMD Counsellor Richard Wheeler, a dual member of Chilton Colony and the Richard Warren Colony in Jacksonville. Carter noted that, when he was first elected to membership in FSMD in 2003, he became a FSMD Deputy Governor Ken Carter & FSMD Secretary (and Mullins Colony secretary and historian) Jessie Brabham member of the Mullins Colony and was appointed colony treasurer at the very first colony meeting he attended. He transferred to the Chilton Colony when it was formed in 2004 and became its first colony governor. After lunch, the ancestors roll call was read by Carolyn Malcolm, widow of past colony governor ( ) Owen Malcolm. Colony officers reports then followed. Historian Jessie Brabham reported that the colony has added 6 new members since the first of the year and now has 109 members. Treasurer Ron Dailey noted that Mullins Colony is only 3 new members away from becoming the 3rd largest colony in the state society. New colony officers were elected for the term and an installation ceremony was conducted by FSMD Deputy Governor Ken Carter. Pictured opposite from left to right are: Carter, colony governor Ron Dailey, colony secretary and historian Jessie Brabham, colony treasurer Harold Doddington, colony captain Richard Sumner, colony director Ruth Howard, and colony director Ruth Shrauger. Not present were colony elder Charles Day and colony counsellor Vanessa Thomas. colony governor Richard Sumner The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 9

10 Following the new officers installation, outgoing governor Richard Sumner presented Ken Carter with a certificate of appreciation for his role in the ceremony and turned over the insignia of the governor s office the colony governor neck medallion and gavel to new colony governor Ron Dailey. The benediction was given by Cecelia Dailey and the meeting was adjourned at 210pm. JOHN HOWLAND COLONY T wenty-one members, prospective members and guests of the John Howland Colony met for its regular Spring lunch meeting at noon on Monday 5 May 2014 at the Mayflower Retirement Center off Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. The meeting was called to order by colony governor (and FSMD Treasurer) Hank Dressel, who also offered the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance to the US flag and the salute to the Mayflower Society flag. The newest colony member, Larry Walker and his wife Jane, were present as were two prospective members: Richard Jacobs and Karen Szcznesniak. Shirley Dearen, the Historical Preservation Chairman of the Barefoot Beach Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Bonita Springs, has contacted FSMD with a request: Ann Denney, the Honorary and Past Regent of our chapter, and her daughter did a rubbing of the John Howland grave in Plymouth about 30 years ago. They chose Howland s grave because the inscription says it was the earliest grave in Plymouth colony. Ann donated the rubbing to our chapter and we re now looking to find it a permanent home. Our long-term goals for the grave rubbing include: find a Howland descendant who wants it; or donate it to a local historical society for display; or contact the Pilgrim John Howland Society house/museum in Plymouth and see if there is interest. The Barefoot Beach Chapter of DAR has loaned the rubbing to FSMD so it could be displayed at the Spring BoA meeting in Lakeland and also at the May 5th lunch meeting of the John Howland Colony in Winter Park. In the photo at right, colony governor Hank Dressel displays the rubbing for all to see. Any Howland descendants having an interest should contact Shirley Dearen directly at shirlandrobert@yahoo.com. After lunch, the colony members unanimously re-elected the current colony officers for an additional 3 year term: Hank Dressel as governor, secretary and historian, and Nancy Norris as treasurer and assistant historian. Hank encouraged any colony members who are willing to take a more active role to let him know as there are several areas where he could use a hand. The program consisted of an illustrated talk by Ruth Ann Fay, colony vice governor of the Francis Cooke Colony in Daytona The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 10

11 Beach, of Fashion in the High Middle Ages. Ruth Ann appeared in period attire and debunked the popular myth that Pilgrims dressed only in black and white and wore buckles on their hats and shoes. She also explained how, in England from the reign of Edward III in the Middle Ages until well into the 17th century, sumptuary laws dictated what color and type of clothing, furs, fabrics, and trims were allowed to persons of various ranks or incomes. In the case of clothing, this was intended to reduce spending on foreign textiles and to ensure that people did not dress "above their station" in life. An Elizabethan dress code so to speak. She also explained how men s fashion was generally more elaborate than women s, which was more utilitarian. If you see Ruth Ann, ask her to explain what a bum-roll was and why it was considered fashionable for women to wear one. It s priceless. [Or read the description and see the image of a French farthingale at Ed.] After the conclusion of the program and as a result of the fundraising appeal published in the Spring 2014 issue of The Florida Pilgrim, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried that the Howland Colony make a $500 donation to the First Parish Meetinghouse in Plymouth, MA, toward its half million dollar goal for renovations to be completed by the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower in All joined in reading The Mayflower Compact and the meeting was adjourned at 2pm. The next colony meeting will be Monday 3 Nov JOHN ALDEN COLONY AWARDS 2014 SCHOL- ARSHIP TO ADAM HOLDEN GEARHART Alden Colony governor Alexandra Harris has announced that the colony s 2014 scholarship winner is Adam Holden Gearhart, a 17 year old senior at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA. Adam is the nephew of Alden Colony treasurer Susie Wuest, who was his sponsor. Adam maintained a 3.70 GPA and was active in varsity soccer (2 years), club soccer (4 years), German Club (4 years) student government (3 years), class vice president (2 years), and National Honor Society (2 years). He has applied to and been accepted at James Madison University, University of Mary Washington, and Longwood University, all in Virginia. When asked how he spends time outside of school hours, Adam replied, I play soccer for my high school and for a club team. I participate in German Club, and I perform volunteer work as part of the National Honor Society. When told he d won the Alden Colony scholarship, Adam said, I'd like to say thank you for granting me this scholarship. It means a lot to be a Mayflower descendant and it means even more to win this scholarship. I'm proud to be a part of the John Alden Colony Community. Attached is a picture of me for the newsletter. Thank you so much again, you have no idea how much this means to me. Adam is descended from Mayflower passengers William and Susanna White. We all wish him the very best in his college career. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 11

12 John Robinson needs your help! RESTORATION OF FIRST PARISH MEETINGHOUSE Every six years, First Parish Meetinghouse in Plymouth, Massachusetts, generously offers its sanctuary to the Mayflower Society for its Triennial celebration. Now we are asking for your help in preserving this important historical landmark for future generations. Built on the site of the first four Pilgrim Churches and dedicated on Forefathers Day in 1899, First Parish Meetinghouse was designed to be an enduring memorial to the Pilgrims, celebrating their epic story and values through its Norman architecture and unique stained glass windows. Known also as The National Memorial Pilgrim Church, First Parish is the oldest continuous spiritual organization of any kind in America, with unbroken records dating back to 1606 in Scrooby, England, where the Separatists were forced to worship in secret. Unfortunately, due to moisture having permeated the interior walls through the façade s weakened mortar, the Meetinghouse s very existence is threatened. Your support would help us reach our goal of completing First Parish's restoration by the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing. Donations can be made easily by visiting First Parish Meetinghouse 19 Town Square Plymouth, MA the Restoration website at Would you also help us by forwarding this plea to your fellow members in your state Mayflower Society? Holland. Visiting our website will also provide you with a snapshot of our most recent restoration efforts - the removal and soon-to-begin restoration of our beloved John Robinson windows that depict the pastor blessing the Pilgrims before their departure from These beautiful windows cannot be re-installed until the Meetinghouse's façade is restored, the cost of which is $500, We hope you will agree that The National Memorial Pilgrim Church is an important landmark worthy of preservation and make a small donation. Sincerely, Jan Palmer-Tarbox Chair First Parish Plymouth Meetinghouse Restoration Committee [Editor s Note: Jan Palmer-Tarbox provided an update in May as to the status of the restoration of the Robinson stained glass window. It is being done at Serpentino Stained Glass Studio in Needham, MA. Jan reported: The three-paneled Robinson window was removed on a stormy day in November, Fortunately, all the work was able to take place from inside the Sanctuary. A photographer was there from the Boston Globe to record the event, and everything went along very smoothly thanks to the meticulous care taken by Roberto Rosa and his crew. In January the men returned to remove the stained glass windows on the South side of the Sanctuary. Again, all went smoothly, and it was a delight to watch the crew at work! Jan and others visited the studio in April: Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Domenico and Dennis, who showed us parts of one of our disassembled stained glass panels and explained to us the process of restoration. Each panel is made up of at least two layers of glass, and in some places there are three layers. First a rubbing is made of the whole panel. Then, after the top layer of glass is removed, a rubbing is made of the second and third layers. These rubbings provide a map of the placement of each piece of glass, similar to the pieces of a puzzle. We were able to see the amazing difference between the glass as it arrived and what it looked like after it had been cleaned. Cleaning is a crucial step and must be done very carefully. No chemicals or harsh materials are used. One should never us glass cleaner on stained glass! Once cleaned, the pieces will be reassembled and the lead holding the pieces together will be reinstalled, or, in most cases, replaced. As you might well realize, it s a lengthy and tedious process, very much enjoyed by Dennis whose attention to detail is remarkable. Jan closed with this appeal: Work is proceeding slowly, as the windows cannot be returned to the church until the façade is restored. You can help us to return the windows to their home by making a donation in any amount to The Campaign for the Restoration of First Parish Meetinghouse. As Mayflower descendants, your support is vital! The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 12

13 REN CUSHING ELECTED GSMD CAPTAIN GENERAL At the 40 th General Congress of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) held on 9 Sept 2014 at the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth, MA, the delegates present elected the following GSMD officers for the 3-year term from 2014 to 2017: Governor General Asst. Governor General Secretary General Treasurer General Historian General Elder General Captain General Surgeon General Counsellor General Lea Sinclair Filson of the Louisiana Society Dr. George P. Garmany of the Colorado Society Susan E. Roser of the Canadian Society Donald T. Studley of the Connecticut Society Marjorie K. Hurtuk of the Connecticut Society Kenneth R. Whittemore Jr. of the California Society Reynolds P. Cushing of the Florida Society Dr. Naomi Schulz Mann of the Louisiana Society Richard S. Gilmore, Esq., of the Massachusetts Society Ren Cushing has been a member of the Florida Society since 2001 and has served in many leadership capacities. In the Elizabeth Tilley Colony, he served as Colony Governor, Vice Governor and Captain and also as a member of its Board of Assistants for over eight years. In the Florida Society, he served as Captain from , Deputy Governor from , and as Governor since Ren s term as FSMD Governor ends with this year s annual meeting on 22 Nov 2014 in Sarasota. As Captain General, Ren will be a member of GSMD s General Board of Assistants and its Executive Committee for the next three years, helping to formulate Mayflower Society policy on the national level. All FSMD members join in congratulating Ren on his election. 77TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA HOSTED BY THE ELIZABETH TILLEY COLONY SAVE THE DATE AND PLAN TO SET SAIL FOR SARASOTA! This year s Annual Meeting will be hosted by the Tilley Colony and will take place at the Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, Florida ( ). The registration form can be found on the FSMD website, Check in time is 3pm November 21st; check out time is 12 Noon, November 22, When you call, don t forget to ask for the special Mayflower Society rate. Please be aware that a new state-of-the-art rowing area has recently been opened as have new tournament-style soccer fields. Accordingly, these sporting events result in accommodations tending to fill up very quickly. We suggest you make your bookings as soon as possible. Our banquet speaker, John Beale, is the Education and Volunteer Coordinator at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, Florida. He has worked at the Agricultural Museum in Flagler County and at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum in St. Augustine. He earned his degree from the University of West Florida during which time he took part in archeological excavations in Florida and Georgia. He also worked and sailed on tall ships in Maine and the Keys. John has presented living history demonstrations throughout the Southeast for over nine years and has a focus on Florida history especially the colonial era from the 1500s through the American Revolution. His topic for the banquet is Florida s First Colonists. The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) is located in a 1912 school house in the historic fishing village of Cortez. The FMM seeks to preserve and share Florida s Maritime history through a collection of informative exhibits, research materials, educational programs, and community events. For those of you have not been to this area before, Sarasota, including the offshore islands of Casey Key, Lido Key, St. Armand Key, and Siesta Key, is a beach and art community. Hotels and residential and commercial areas ring Sarasota Bay. The islands offer 35 miles of beaches that border the blue waters of the Gulf. For golfers, there are many courses within minutes of downtown. For those of you who are more interested in indoor sports, a brand new, very large upscale Mall with over 100 stores is slated to open in mid-october and is less than one mile from the hotel. Other Malls are also very close by. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact Tilley Colony Governor John Mange at john.mange@verizon.net or call We hope to see all on November 21, 2014! The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 13

14 The members of the Elizabeth Tilley Colony of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida request the honour of your & your guests presence at the Mayflower Compact Day Banquet Friday Nov 21, 2014, 6-10pm Holiday Inn - Lakewood Ranch 6231 Lake Osprey Dr. Sarasota, Florida To attend and bear witness to the re-enactment of the wedding of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley JOHN ALDEN COLONY On Saturday April 5, 2014, the John Alden Colony held its final luncheon of the season at Fort Lauderdale Country Club in Plantation. The program speaker was Donna Gruber Adair, a Jupiter based author, seen here in her replica pioneer garb. Ms. Adair's presentation on her book, An American Odyssey, followed a real-life family of pioneers as they settled a series of frontiers during the Westward Migration of the 19th century. She included photographs of the pioneers and their way of life in early Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas. Besides everyday hardships and joys, the pioneers were caught up in the major events of their time. The main one, of course, concerned the question of slavery. Members and guests thoroughly enjoyed this epic retelling of our country's history and the people who made it great. (submitted by colony governor Alexandra Harris) Back Row: Katie Lanning, David Anderson, former GSMD Governor General Ed Sullivan, Ted Duay, Betty Sullivan, Cheryl Leech, Bill Wilson, Sherman Bishop, Bill Moore, Don Dean, Hal Perry. Middle Row: program speaker Donna Adair, Naida Moore, Joy Perry, Judy McCollum, Kirsten Wonn, Frank Davis, Judy Trudel. Front Row: Linda Anderson, colony governor Alexandra Harris, Joyce Gardner. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 14

15 ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GSMD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER-AT-LARGE G reetings, my name is Rick Denham. During the 2014 General Society of Mayflower Descendants Congress I was elected to the Executive Committee as Member at Large. During my term I will be your representative to the Executive Committee and will convey the wishes and suggestions of members. I am one of the three Members at Large. We have agreed to be responsible to 17 State Societies and will pass news of our activities to each of our assigned states. We will also pass suggestions and comments from your State Society to other Executive Committee members. improved services. The new Executive Committee under Governor General Lea Filson is reaching out to the State Societies for open communication. We want and need you ideas and suggestions. Our hope is the next three years will see a growth in State Society membership by offering new programs and I will personally call or on a regular basis. Please let me know of your concerns, successes, thoughts and ideas for your state and our society. The three Members at Large are available to all members, even those from states outside the region they cover. For immediate issues contact Virginia Macciaccio at memberatlarge1@themayflowersociety.org, Steve Arnold at memberatlarge2@themayflowersociety.org or me at memberatlarge3@themayflowersociety.org or sonnydenham@sbcglobal.net. Rick Denham General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Executive Committee Member at Large Colony Governor, West Texas Colony of Mayflower Descendants. Governor, Pilgrim Hopkins Heritage Society Historian, Pilgrim Isaac Allerton Society 2015 GSMD SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION T he General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) Scholarship Program is offering one $5000 scholarship and two $2500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are Mayflower descendants and will be attending a four-year college or university or two-year community college. In the spirit of the Mayflower settlers seeking to better themselves by moving to a new and uncharted world, special consideration will be given to applicants whose demonstrated commitment to bettering themselves makes them especially likely to benefit from the opportunities this scholarship will make possible for them. Applicants must meet all program equiements and submit their completed applications and all other required materials by 16 Mar Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information and the downloadable application form, go to and click on the GSMD News button FSMD SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION T he Florida Society offers a $2500 educational scholarship to a twelfth grade student who is a citizen of the United States and a descendant from a Mayflower passenger. The applicant must have a proven ancestry to a Mayflower passenger, and the sponsoring relative must be a member of the Florida Society. An unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 and the completion of a word essay on the Pilgrims are required. The application deadline is 1 Apr For more information, contact Laura Brock, Scholarship Chair, 430 Bay St NE #705, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone (727) or mayflowersharpe@tampabay.rr.com. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 15

16 Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida Richard S. Wheeler, Editor 26 Forest Lane Eustis, FL PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Hanover, PA Permit No. 4 LEGAL STUFF FROM THE EDITOR T he Florida Pilgrim is the official newsletter and the copyrighted property ( all rights reserved) of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida ( FSMD ), an unincorporated voluntary membership organization recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization. It is published three times a year in May, October and December. Please send submissions, comments or suggestions to the Editor at the postal or address listed above. Items submitted for publication may be shortened or otherwise edited and published at the Editor s discretion. Photos should be in jpg format, be taken using the highest resolution setting on your camera, and be accompanied by identification of all persons depicted so an appropriate caption can be included. Sister Mayflower societies have permission to reprint any material with appropriate attribution. All others must obtain prior written permission from the Editor. All published items reflect the opinions of their authors and not necessarily those of FSMD, which does not vouch for the accuracy of any information contained herein. MEMBERSHIP INFO CHANGES If you have had (or expect to soon have) a change in any of the following: Your name (e.g., in case of marriage or divorce) Your permanent mailing address Your address Your phone number Your preference for delivery of the newsletter (i.e., , online, USPS, or none ) please send an to database@flmayflower.com with a copy to the state secretary at fishb32615@aol.com. Please put Membership Info Change - Colony in the Subject line and fill in the blank space with the name of your colony. Thank you. The Florida Pilgrim - Fall 2014 page 16