Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/108

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Memories of Virginia


tercentennial year, and no one better equipped to carry out the memorial to honor the past. Mr. Goodwin is a member of a family of distinguished Churchmen, with love of State and Country, to revere memories of the Founding Men of America.

The expense of restoration is a free-will offering—$27,000, and a fund is being raised for the perpetual maintenance of the Mecca Church, that is not only regarded the Colonial Abbey of our country but a shrine to perpetuate eternal memories of great men and great deeds—men whom the world delight to honor.

The Jamestown Church was occupied by the Royal Governors. The Bruton Church was erected thirty-three years after the death of Governor Matthews, by Governor Spottswood, making Bruton Church eldest daughter of the Jamestown church and "heir by right" held the relics and belongings of the Mother church, including the gold communion service and other relics of great value.

The first Jamestown church of wood logs was built 1607; rebuilt in brick 1639; that became in time a ruin—only a tower left of her former glory. The Colonial Dames of America have done a noble work in restoring the Island Church upon original lines. The chair of the Royal Governors will no doubt be placed therein as a feature of the period. Nor was Jamestown church without a bell to ring out tidings of joy and sorrow, and the reproduction of the old bell, bearing the name of Pocahontas, is a popular memorial, and while the Jamestown church may not stand so pre-eminent for Colonial memories as the Williams-

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