Country ChurchDID YOU KNOW?
Religious freedom in America was first established
by some protesting citizens living in Flushing,
Long Island. It was 1657 and most settlers in the
New Netherlands belonged to the Dutch Reformed
Church, and the governor had banned any other
denomination from practicing in the colony,
creating a furor in Flushing, where many
Quakers had settled. On Dec. 27, 1657, an
influential number of townspeople formally
protested the governor's policy. They signed
the Flushing Remonstrance, which is recognized as
the first declaration of religious tolerance
by any group of ordinary citizens in American
history. The governor was persuaded to lift his
ban on religious meetings by other groups
besides the Dutch Reformed Church in general
and the Quakers in particular. This document
was used over 100 years later as the basis for
the cornerstone of our current Bill of Rights
which guarantees religious freedom without
fear of persecution. This Postage Stamp Art is framed in solid
oak measuring 17 1/2 inches by 17 1/2 inches
and is matted in three colors. It consists of
a country church artwork, a cut out cross,
and a 3 cent religious freedom
official postage stamp which commemorates
the Flushing Remonstrance (protest).
The first day cover envelope portrays artwork
of religious freedom in America. Both stamp
and envelope are 43 years old.
Our Price: $56.00
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