Description
The Beckenham Men’s Brotherhood, as part of the Mayflower voyage anniversary in 1920, was treated to a lecture by Mr J.F. Chapter. He emphasised the importance of practical faith in God’s will and duty towards one’s children and family as key lessons of the Pilgrim story. Chapter also proclaimed that the Pilgrims believed whole-heartedly that God’s will could be known and understood, and that it was their duty to obey. By sailing to the New World, they could worship in the way that their prayers had revealed to them. Chapter’s message was suited to his audience: he also emphasised the importance of brotherhood and comradeship. The men of the Mayflower had been ordinary individuals who together achieved extraordinary things. After this rather ponderous address, the Brotherhood was able to enjoy some singing by Miss Peacock and selections by the Brotherhood’s orchestra. But this event suggests the pious note struck by many lecturers, particularly in the non-conformist churches. Given that the actual story of the Mayflower Pilgrims was not always well known, these sermons tended to blend historical detail with a distinctly moralistic gloss.
Source
Sidcup Times, “The meaning of the Mayflower”, 1 October 1920.
Date
September 1920