Governor’s Desk Thanksgiving 2022
Four hundred and one years ago, grateful Pilgrims joined about 100 Native American Braves to celebrate their harvest, good fortune and fellowship with a few days of events and our very first Thanksgiving. After losing almost half of the original Mayflower passengers in the “sickness”, it must have been bitter sweet for the Pilgrims. The support of the native Americans sharing crop techniques, eel harvesting and a peace treaty that lasted close to 50 years, insured the Pilgrims were on their way. The Mayflower Compact guided them in the new leadership that was a “First” standard signed on board in what is now called Provincetown, MA. If they could see today the prosperity, cultural wealth the United States is grateful for, I trust they would be assured their sacrifices were well made.
As you say grace at your table for our shared holiday this year, count the many blessing that have enriched our lives spiritually and materially. Maybe ask everyone to share something they are grateful for? The Pilgrims were hearty, religiously driven and humble to a man and woman.
We celebrated our dedicated church service last Saturday at St. David’s church in Wayne, PA with over 50 attending. Elder Buckner presided in a historic setting dating to 1715, beautiful venue! Traditional dinner followed at Merion Cricket Club with 49 members to a sold-out crowd in the cottage there.
We were proud to celebrate our tradition of recognizing a “Distinguished Pilgrim”. This year’s recipient is Dr. Heather Horton, our current Co-Deputy Governor. Heather also chairs the education, scholarship and sales committees right now. This is in addition to her demanding role as cardiologist professionally. Add to that her series on booklets about the Mayflower women that have been selling out in our store with buyers from all over the country. Dr. Horton continues the path of the other Distinguished Pilgrims having donated hundreds of hours to our non-paid, nonprofit society. Well done, Heather, we are proud of you!
Please go on line for the service and dinner pictures at www.sail1620.org. We also had the scholarship winner James Goss read his essay, a fun and relatable poem was read by Elder Jim Buckner and a Mayflower Hymn compilation from Kelley Atwood was shared during the worship service.
We have a high percentage of retained memberships, truly have loyal cousins. SMDPA’s financial state is solid as our strategy to invest in 60/40 equities vs. bonds has proven the test of time. There have been several donations from our membership that are greatly appreciated and will be put to work on our activities. Thank you for your dues and membership!
This will be one of my last communications as acting Governor; James Campbell will be taking the Governor role at the year's end and has the full support of our Board of Assistants, (BOA). The term limits in our constitution and bylaws were designed to keep the leadership fresh and energized. It is hard to express my indebtedness to all our members and BOA, they have been spectacular!
May God bless you and your family, keeping all healthy and in faith during this very unique time!
Respectfully,
