A whole new world?
Episcopalians and the New World
The Episcopal church gets ready to celebrate its 400th anniversary in America.
by Mark D. Tooley
03/08/2007 12:00:00 AM
On May 17, 1607, English settlers landed on Jamestown Island in Virginia and created what would be the first permanent British colony. An Anglican clergyman led them in prayers of thanksgiving and in constructing the first permanent Protestant church in the Western hemisphere.
In two months, the 400th anniversary of this event will be celebrated. The Episcopal Church, as the spiritual descendants of the original Jamestown colony, is participating, although perhaps with some hesitation. Fifteen years ago, the quincentenary of Christopher Columbus's voyage to America was marred by controversy, with groups such as the National Council of Churches denouncing the celebration of "genocide" against the native peoples of America.
It’s all here … and more reading on Matoaka/Pocahontas is below.
Incidentally, according to "Pocahontas' People - The Powhatan Indians of Virginia through Four Centuries" by Helen C. Rountree, "Chanco" is actually a combination of several Indians--an unnamed boy and a man named "Chauco"--who "were torn in their loyalty because they had become fringe people to both societies" (p.73-74).
There's much more to the story than Tooley, of the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), indicates. As historian Rountree, professor emerita at Old Dominion University, states: "Real life, in contrast to propaganda, is complex." Indeed. (And yes, I know "A Whole New World" is from Disney's "Aladdin." But it fits.)
More on Matoaka/Pocahontas:
Pocahontas was an Indian princess, the daughter of Powhatan, the powerful chief of the Algonquian Indians in the Tidewater region of Virginia. She was born around 1595 to one of Powhatan's many wives. They named her Matoaka, though she is better known as Pocahontas, which means "Little Wanton," playful, frolicsome little girl.
It’s all here …
"Pocahontas" was a nickname, meaning "the naughty one" or "spoiled child". Her real name was Matoaka. The legend is that she saved a heroic John Smith from being clubbed to death by her father in 1607 - she would have been about 10 or 11 at the time. The truth is that Smith's fellow colonists described him as an abrasive, ambitious, self-promoting mercenary soldier.
It’s all here …
According to Native American lore, her parents knew her as "Amonte" and her secret clan name was "Matoaca." Her European Christian friends called her "Lady Rebecca." Many have revered her as the "mother" of our nation, the female counterpart to George Washington. We know her as Pocahontas, legendary Indian princess, daughter of the mighty Chief Powhatan.
It’s all here …
Pocahontas has become a romantic figure in American history. John Smith immortalized the young woman in his dramatic account of his treatment in Indian captivity. Smith claims that the heroic young princess stepped forward to protect his life by offering her own. Although many historians doubt the veracity of Smith's narrative, the imagery remains compelling. Most notably the legend of Pocahontas has recently become the subject of an animated Disney movie. Pocahontas contributed a great deal to the history of Jamestown and early America. Her main contributions took place well after her famed initial encounter with John Smith. Pocahontas had a long lasting relationship with the Jamestown settlers; she eventually married a colonist and traveled to England to promote interest in the colony. Pocahontas deserves recognition for her many contributions to the success of Jamestown.
It’s all here …
The legend of Pocahontas has enjoyed wide popularity in American culture in a number of versions and in various genres since the early 17th century. Although little is known with any certainty about Pocahontas, stories, images, poems, songs, and dramas have been produced on all levels of culture celebrating the Indian Princess. As the facts concerning her history are scant, it may be helpful to review some of the key events of her life, ones that in resurface in the multivarious interpretations of her story.
It’s all here …
We all know the enchanting story (true or not) of Pocahontas saving the life of John Smith in April 1608. Pocahontas had not been seen or heard of by the colonists since Smith's departure in October 1609. Captain Samuel Argall learned from Indian friends that Pocahontas was with her uncle, Japasaws, King of Potomac. He contrived to have the King bring Pocahontas aboard his ship, the Treasurer. Argall schemed and by "faire persuasions" sailed away with Pocahontas to Jamestowne in April 1613. Argall went to New England on a fishing voyage or to prevent French and Dutch incursions and returned in December 1613. While Pocahontas was in Jamestowne she was taught English ways and became the first Virginia Indian to convert to Christianity. Parson Bucke baptized her Rebecca. She and John Rolfe, now a widower, fell in love during her captivity at Jamestowne. With the approval of Governor Dale and Powhatan, they were married April 5, 1614.
It’s all here …
I am thinking that we should perhaps ignore this little four hundred year celebration. At this time any celebration of our historical ties to the Church of England, including the founding in Virginia, might seem a little out of place. not just for the effects of the settlements on the natives already here, but also because of the ultimatums that they are giving us now. Let's stick with celebrating Seabury's consecration in Scotland as our big founding date.
Posted by: Dennis | March 08, 2007 at 06:29 PM