by Ramona Taylor

Created on: November 04, 2009   Last Updated: November 11, 2009

Each November, we retell the story of the brave Pilgrims, who helped found our nation. In school, we learned about their friendships with the Native Americans and we marveled at their testaments of courage. Their struggles and triumphs are the stuff of legends. And, we are proud of their incredible faith and their contribution to creating a great nation. But, we know that there is more to their story than a Thanksgiviing feast.

The Church and the Crown

Early in the sixteenth century, people began to challenge the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the Anglican arm of the Roman Catholic Church, what we call the Church of England, began to test the Vatican as well. By 1534, King Henry VIII was declared the Supreme Head of the Church of England by Parliament. And in 1536, King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and abbeys.

Under English Rule, the Crown controlled everything. The faith of the ruling King or Queen became the faith of all of his or her people. And as such, each citizen of England was required to follow the religious decisions of the Crown or face persecution.

The Puritan Separatists

Many English Christians began to be concerned that current form of worship did not conform to the edicts of the Bible. A faction began to grow in the Church of England and that faction began to develop a plan for purifying the church or separating from the Anglican Church. These Puritans, as they became known as, met in secret and were undaunted by the Anglican Church's efforts to silence them. One particular congregation, which met at Scrooby Manor, realized that they risked imprisonment and possible execution for their challenges to the King and the Church. So, in 1607, the Scrooby Separatist decided that they needed to emigrate from England and find a home that was more tolerate of their religious beliefs. They chose Amsterdam, Holland.

Life in Holland

Holland was one of the few countries that offered refuge and religious tolerance. The Dutch Country offered a new start for the Separatists. Strife in Holland between Church leaders caused William to move his congregation from Holland to Leiden. These followers eventually secured passage to the New World on the Mayflower in hopes of finding a better life in Virginia.

Journey to the New World

Provisions were made for the Separatists to sail to the New World. They obtained a land grant and hired two ships, the Mayflower and the Speedwell, to take them to America. They embarked, but had to return to England

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