Congregation Revives Icons of American Independence

By Laura J. Mondul
Special to the Bristol Herald Courier

Paul Revere got the credit, but Subil Ludington was there too, riding horseback through the countryside warning the colonists who’d embarked on independence that the British were coming.

And she said so Sunday, during a special Independence Day service at Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church – at least, her personification played by church member Willa Baker said so. Baker was among dozens of folks at the service who wore Revolutionary War-era clothing and took on the characters of famous and less-well-known folks of the time.

“I enjoyed working with everyone to pull this together,” Baker said. “I like making things I do fun.”

Baker laughed about her character role – somewhat untraditional in her leather vest and hat – noting that Ludington was indeed a woman who, like Revere, rode horseback through the countryside to warn of the oncoming British troops. “Paul Revere got all of the credit, because you can’t easily make a rhyme out of ‘Ludington’ like you can ‘Revere,’ ” she said.

Tying into Independence Day celebrations nationwide, the church featured this historically themed sermon to celebrate the spiritual foundations of America. The special Sunday event was the result of group efforts from three area churches, including Windsor Avenue, Meadowview Presbyterian Church and the Mathina Memorial Chapel.

Special guests at the sermon included church members dressed as historical figures who presented quotes and stories from the Revolutionary War time as America struggled for independence.

Pastor Charlie Murphy of the Windsor Avenue church said the event was organized to bring these churches together and remember the importance of being united.

“There are so many divisions in our country – as neighbors, we can differ from one another, but still be there for each other,” he said.

The sermon resembled a history lesson as one by one, each participating member stood in front of the congregation and recounted a significant event, quote or story from this turbulent time in American history. Quotes from Samuel Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, John Dickerson and more recalled the birth of the United States and emphasized the religious beliefs that influenced the founding of the country.

“There is a just God who presides over the destiny of men,” quoted Tony Barnette, a church member who portrayed Patrick Henry.

Murphy’s conclusion to the sermon drove home his message of the importance of religion to the foundations of America.

“We are the only nation founded on a declaration of faith,” he said. “Our faith in God has led us to freedom. Our nation is still struggling with our freedom and our faith.”

Overall, the event, while poignant, offered a bit of fun for church members who dressed in everything from bonnets to three-cornered hats, the men complete with powdered wigs and buckled shoes.

Among other historical figures noted for their contributions to America’s revolution were African-American Patriots James (Armistead) Lafayette and Lemuel Haynes, as well as women revolutionaries Ludington and Margaret Corbin. In addition to the historical speeches and representation, the hymns selected were from the era as well. Appropriately, the service was concluded by a singing of “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

Universally, the message of the day was America’s need to unite and the importance of people pulling together, both historically and in present times.

“We wanted to recognize our nation’s history, but also that America was founded in Christ,” said Ron Buchanan, elder at the Windsor Avenue church. “For all of our differences, we need to remember that we are all Americans.”