Virginia (May 14, 1607) the first permanent colonial settlement in North America, was founded by settlers who embarked from England in December of 1606. Their initial act after landing at Cape Henry, April 26, 1607, was to erect a wooden cross and commence a prayer meeting, led by the Reverend Robert Hunt. Later that year, after Reverend Hunt's death, the settlers stated:
<1607. To the glory of God and in memory of the Reverend Robert Hunt, Presbyter, appointed by the Church of England. Minister of the Colony which established the English Church and English Civilization at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.
His people, members of the Colony, left this testimony concerning him.
He was an honest, religious and courageous Divine.
He preferred the Service of God in so good a voyage to every thought of ease at home. He endured every privation, yet none ever heard him repine. During his life our factions were ofte healed, and our greatest extremities so comforted that they seemed easy in comparison with what we endured after his memorable death.
We all received from him the Holy Communion together, as a pledge of reconciliation, for we all loved him for his exceeding goodness. He planted the first Protestant Church in America and laid down his life in the foundation of America.> 1607VA001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1607VA001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Virginia, Colony of, 1607. Historical Marker in front of the Cross at Cape Henry, Virginia quoted the 1607 settler's original words, "Set up a cross at Chesapeake Bay, and named that place Cape Henry." Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 46. Inscription of original 1607 Settler's testimony