PILGRIMS GOING TO CHURCH
Questions to arouse interest. Who are these people? What country does this represent? Why were they called Pilgrims, and why did they leave England? Where are they going in this picture? Why do the men carry guns? Where might foes be lurking? What time of the year is it? what time of day?
Original Picture: Lenox Gallery, New York.
Artist: George Henry Boughton (bô´tȯn).
Birthplace: Norwich, England.
Dates: Born, 1834; died, 1905.
The story of the picture. We have read many stories about the lives of our forefathers in America, but perhaps we realize more clearly just what that life must have been when we look at this picture, “Pilgrims Going to Church.” It makes us realize why the Pilgrims came to this country and willingly endured such terrible hardships,—that they might go to their own church and worship according to their own conscience.
It was a brave and sturdy people who, although loyal in all else, defied the king when he would take away their freedom of worship. Little wonder there was much excitement when people of all ranks and conditions in England began to sell their homes and possessions, preparing to leave for a land almost unknown and full of danger.