Mayflower Perspectives

The weeks roll by and we feel a little startled that we are

now approaching Thanksgiving. This past week

we marked the 6 months anniversary of our first day

as senior missionaries. Almost daily, we encounter

the challenges of our "temporary" assignments,

the concept of continuity and of handing off information

to the next folks to fill these positions.

It is difficult not to wonder at times if what we do will have

any lasting impact. Do the talents and experience we bring

make a difference? This has prompted some contemplation,

which in turn leads me to selecting this Thanksgiving theme.

Probably many of you know that 2020 will mark 400 years

since the "first" pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Many celebrations are being planned to mark that event.

Surely those arriving did not have the vision of what

their journey would contribute to - formation of a great nation.

Two weeks ago, we visited once again 

the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in

Sharon, Vermont, with the new missionaries and their

trainers as part of "Follow Up Training". Part of the
 informational displays there at that site are genealogical,

explaining the posterity of John Howland, a rather

unimportant (at the time) passenger who arrived

on the Mayflower. This story and the lineages from Howland

were referenced by Pres. Ballard when he spoke in 

New England back in October.

This painting is "Howland Overboard," by maritime artist

Mike Haywood, artwork that is available from

the MayflowerHistory.com online store. 

John Howland is the person near the lower right corner.

Howland was estimated to be around 20 years old when

he traveled aboard the Mayflower as the manservant of

Gov. John Carver. Quoting from the information that docents

there at the JSBM share, "During the Mayflower's voyage,

Howland fell overboard during a storm, and was almost

lost at sea -- but luckily for his millions of descendants

 living today . . . he managed to grab hold of the topsail halyards,

giving the crew enough time to rescue him with a boat-hook."

Howland eventually married fellow Mayflower passenger

Elizabeth Tilley, who was 13 years old during the year

of the journey. The two could not be counted as

prominent passengers, but while the names and influence

of others may have dwindled (so many people died during

the first winters after the landing), these two can be traced

back to be the headwaters of dozens of very famous folks.

This signature, below, shown as "her mark" from the later years of

Elizabeth's life demonstrates that she could not write

even to sign her name. Definitely not among the elite.

Pres. Ballard connected the story of Howland overboard

to the family tree of Joseph Smith Jr., saying that

through generations, Heaven was watching out for the family

of the Prophet of the Restoration, even back during

the Mayflower voyage, since Howland is a progenitor of

the Prophet Joseph and also of Elder Ballard. 

There at the JSBM emphasis is placed on the remarkable 

nature of the "coincidence" and chance that allowed 

the rescue line to be there, within his grasp, 

at the moment of dire need.

This is a photo I could not resist including here,

simply because I took it, and now it can represent

the strong religious presence in the New England

towns which are part of the Pilgrims' legacy.

This photo was taken on Halloween, in Concord, MA.

Historians are quick to point out that the location of the landing

as Plymouth Rock was simply supposition that Americans

have latched onto and promoted, as well as other myths.

One was that religious freedom was the prime motivation, 

though it may have been equally important to being able to make

 a living without restriction, and establish their own ideal society. 

Another myth is the idea that the pilgrims only wore

black clothing and were rather dull and one dimensional.

One historian's descriptions suggests they liked bright colors

and had lively activities and interests.

They also point out that the native Americans, including

the Algonquian people and the Wampanoag people

living here in the area, had already held harvest 

celebrations here, so when we sing about 

"that first Thanksgiving" feast, we are idealizing.

This will be the first Thanksgiving in a decade or so that

the Warner household has not hosted the celebration feast.

We have this year had our hearts warmed by the local LDS

congregations' attempts to make sure members and friends

all have a chance to feel the warmth of family on that day.

Many Wards or Stakes host a Thanksgiving potluck where

main elements of the traditional meal are provided,

with other fare being contributed by any who can

as they come and participate. (This might include us, too.)

As I think about people who take chances, make their actions

fit their proclamations of faith, contribute lives of meaning

without fanfare, or just by playing their parts,

the oil in my lamp is added to. Thankful for people in

our family trees who made this good life possible for us.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to friends and family.