Built Upon the Rock

Nov 2010 Issue

By Laurel Beckstead
The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, by Charles Lucy, depicts the arrival of the 102 Pilgrims who landed at the present Provincetown harbor on November 21, 1620. The Mayflower, seen in the background, is sailing away. The Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, which was the first permanent English settlement in New England.

While contemplating this artwork, one would notice that these pilgrims had with them few or no belongings. They are comforting one another. Some are expressing gratitude in humble prayer. But the most noteworthy aspect of the scene is that as the ship is leaving, the leader, William Bradford, is looking steadfastly toward the new land. Not one of the Pilgrims is looking back at the ship leaving to return to England.

This image clearly illustrates that the pilgrims’ most important possession was carried in their hearts. It was also their greatest virtue: their faith. Their landing on Plymouth Rock established the beginnings of our nation on a solid foundation of faith and reestablished Christian values in society.

Today, we too are on a pilgrimage. We seek to reestablish our Christian values as a nation. The qualities of faith and steadfastness are as applicable for this time and circumstance as they were for our pilgrim ancestors.

To commemorate this holiday that celebrates our nationʼs founding, American Heritage Academy presents their annual Thanksgiving program, “Plymouth Plantation” on Thursday, November 18th, at 7 p.m. We encourage all families to come participate in this remarkable and historically accurate production depicting the events of the landing at Plymouth Rock. AHA is located at 6126 S. Sandhill Rd., Las Vegas, at Sandhill and Patrick. For more information visit www.ahalv.org.