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First Synogogue in North American
In 1730, the first synagogue was built in First Mill Street, New York. The congregation, called Shearith Israel, was the first Jewish congregation in North America. It was a Spanish and Portuguese synagogue. Shearith Israel was founded in 1654 and was the only Jewish synagogue until 1825. The Jews in New York faced many troubles because they were not wanted there by the Governor. They were persistent and eventually were permitted to stay and build a synagogue. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a religious movement that brought changes in the American Colonies. It was a time of vigorous and emotional preaching that brought a new perspective and style of preaching and worshiping. New denominations were born during this era such as Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist. Important preachers of the time included Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Theodorus Frelinghuysen. This movement would be the beginning of the separation between church and state. -
Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer
On this day, Virginia House of Burgesses set apart June 1, 1774 to congregate in the city church for prayer and sermons by Rev. Price. They sought divine intervention to be able to overcome the conflict they were about to face against Great Britain. On June 1, 1774, Great Britain was going to stop the commerce and activity in the Boston Harbor, which would hinder the economy of the Colonies. Other Days of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer were proclaimed by Congress, Adams, Madison, and Lincoln. -
Army Pays Chaplains
George Washington emphasized the importance for soldiers to be able take a day off and go to the chapel to enjoy their religious rights. In November of 1775 the Continental Congress established chaplains in the Navy. At that time, chaplains were volunteers. The Continental Congress then passed another act on May 27, 1777 that would pay chaplains. Chaplains earned a coronel’s pay. Also, from this point forward, every Army brigade would have a chaplain assigned. -
Virginia Statutes for Religious Freedom
This document was written by Thomas Jefferson. It speaks about the right to choose what to believe and where to worship. A person should not be forced by the governing powers to attend or pay taxes to a church that he or she does not agree with the belief system. No one should be punished for what he or she believes. A person’s beliefs will not be held against him or her by those in authority. This document protected the people from persecution and discrimination for their religious beliefs. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was written by the first Congress and consists of 12 articles. The third article speaks about the freedom to practice religion. It specifies that a person has the freedom to choose religion, speak freely about religion, and have religious gatherings. If a person has a grievance about their religious rights, they can put in a request for the government to resolve that grievance. This clearly shows the separation of a person’s religious beliefs and the duty of the government.
