Memorial Day

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Acts 10


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:7-13


Remembering those who gave their life for our freedom .

Pvt. Azor Curtiss - Bailey's Regiment (23rd Mass.) - † 1778 Battle of Monmouth
Maj. Nathaniel Finch - Goshen-Orange Co. NY Militia - † 1779 Battle of Minisink
Pvt. Herman McCaul - Co. I, 9th US Inf. - † 1899 San Francisco Bay Accident
Sgt. Willard McCaul - HQ Co., 9th US Inf - † 1902 Manila, Philippines Malaria

Mamai, Catholicos of Georgia

 

Saint Mamai served as chief shepherd of the Georgian faithful from 731 to 744.

The information we have about his life is scarce, but it is known that Saint Mamai was abbot of Zedazeni Monastery and died a martyr for Christ during the occupation of the  Muslim Arab Emirate of Tbilisi.  

Outstanding in his achievements and endowed with profound spiritual wisdom, Saint Mamai was enthroned as Catholicos of Georgia at a time when the catholicos and the Georgian kings were frequently the first victims of invading armies.

Propers for Mamai, Catholicos of Georgia

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed martyr Mamai with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for the love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle - Philippians 3:7-15.

HOWBEIT what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffer the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, even this shall God reveal unto you.

The Holy Gospel - St. Luke 12:22-37.

JESUS said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you. Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why are ye anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of anxious mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall he added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

+

The Four Chaplains

The Four Chaplains were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other soldiers during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out; 230 of the 904 men aboard the ship were rescued. Life jackets offered little protection from hypothermia which killed most men in the water. Water temperature was 34 °F (1 °C) and air temperature was 36 °F (2 °C). By the time additional rescue ships arrived "...hundreds of dead bodies were seen floating on the water, kept up by their life jackets."

The chaplains, who all held the rank of lieutenant, were the Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, the Jewish Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, the Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington and the Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling. They were sailing on the USAT Dorchester troop transport on February 3, 1943, when the vessel, travelling in convoy, was torpedoed by the German submarine U-223 in the North Atlantic. As the vessel sank, the four chaplains calmed the frightened soldiers and sailors, aided in the evacuation of the ship, and helped guide wounded men to safety. The chaplains also gave up their own life jackets.

As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.—Grady Clark, survivor
On December 19, 1944, all four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. The Four Chaplains' Medal was established by act of Congress on July 14, 1960, and was presented posthumously to their next of kin by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker at Ft. Myer, Virginia on January 18, 1961.

The chaplains were also honored with a stamp, issued in 1948 and by an act of Congress designating February 3 as "Four Chaplains Day."


The Dorchester Chaplains - 3 February

The Collect

Holy God, who didst inspire the Dorchester Chaplains to be models of steadfast sacrificial love in a tragic and terrifying time: Help us to follow their example, that their courageous ministry may inspire chaplains and all who serve, to recognize thy presence in the midst of peril; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who livest and reignest with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


The Epistle - Romans 8:15-19, 38-39

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:9-14

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.


+

Lepanto

The Battle of Lepanto took place on 7 October 1571 when a fleet of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic maritime states, Spain, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia, the Republic of Venice, the Papacy, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Knights Hospitaller with additional troops from Germany and Croatia decisively defeated the main fleet of the Muslim Ottoman Empire.

The battle lasted for five hours on the northern edge of the Gulf of Patras, off western Greece, where the Ottoman forces sailing westwards from their naval station in Lepanto (Turkish: İnebahtı; Naupaktos or Épahtos) met the Holy League forces, which had come from Messina ships were manned by Berbers, Egyptians and Syrians

The Victory of the Holy League prevented the Mediterranean Sea from becoming an uncontested highway for Muslim forces, protected Italy from a major Ottoman invasion, and prevented the Ottomans from advancing further into the southern flank of Europe. Lepanto was the last major naval battle fought entirely between galleys, and has been assigned great symbolic importance.


the Commemoration of the Christian Victory at Lepanto - 7 October

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY God, the Sovereign Commander of all the world, in whose hand is power and might, which none is able to withstand; We bless and magnify thy great and glorious Name for this happy Victory, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to thee, who art the only giver of Victory. And. we beseech thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our country, and. as much as in us lieth, to the good of all mankind. And, we beseech thee, give us such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thankfulness, such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, as for all thy mercies, so in particular for this Victory and Deliverance, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.


A Prayer for Protection From and the Conversion of the Mohammedans.....

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Mohammedans, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.


The Epistle - Ephesians 6:10-20.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


The Holy Gospel - St. John 14:1-4.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.


+

11 September

Prayers for this day.


On an Anniversary of the Departed:

ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servants, and we pray thee that, having opened to them the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive them more and more into thy joyful service; that they may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Our Country:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of War and Tumults:

O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For All in the Service of Our Country:

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

†

Maximilian Kolbe

(January 8, 1894–August 14, 1941), also known as Maksymilian or Massimiliano Maria Kolbe. Born as Rajmund Kolbe, was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German concentration camp at Auschwitz.

In order to discourage escapes, the camp had a rule that if a man escaped, ten men would be killed in retaliation. In July 1941 a man from Kolbe's bunker escaped. The remaining men of the bunker were led out and ten were selected, including a Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek. When he uttered a cry of dismay, Maximilian stepped forward and said, "I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children." The officer had more use for a young worker than for an old one, and was happy to make the exchange. The ten men were placed in a large cell and left there to starve. Maximilian encouraged the others with prayers, psalms, and meditations on the Passion of Christ. After two weeks, only four were alive, and only Maximilian was fully conscious. The four were killed with injections of carbolic acid on 14 August 1941.


Maximilian Kolbe - 14 August - Friar and Martyr

The Collect.

Most loving Father, whose Son Jesus Christ came to give his life as a ransom for many: Grant to us the grace, as thou didst grant to thy servant Maximilian Kolbe, to be always ready to come to the aid of those in need or distress, not counting the cost; that so we may follow in the footsteps of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_Kolbe
http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/JEK/08/14.html
http://www.monasteryicons.com/monasteryicons/Icons-of-Saints-of-the-East-amp-West_M15/Item_St-Maximilian-Kolbe_389_ps_cti-M15.html

†

Memorial Day

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Acts 10


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:7-13


Remembering those who gave their life for our freedom .

Pvt. Azor Curtiss - Bailey's Regiment (23rd Mass.) - † 1778 Battle of Monmouth
Maj. Nathaniel Finch - Goshen-Orange Co. NY Militia - † 1779 Battle of Minisink
Pvt. Herman McCaul - Co. I, 9th US Inf. - † 1899 San Francisco Bay Accident
Sgt. Willard McCaul - HQ Co., 9th US Inf - † 1902 Manila, Philippines Malaria

The Four Chaplains

The Four Chaplains were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other soldiers during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out; 230 of the 904 men aboard the ship were rescued. Life jackets offered little protection from hypothermia which killed most men in the water. Water temperature was 34 °F (1 °C) and air temperature was 36 °F (2 °C). By the time additional rescue ships arrived "...hundreds of dead bodies were seen floating on the water, kept up by their life jackets."

The chaplains, who all held the rank of lieutenant, were the Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, the Jewish Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, the Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington and the Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling. They were sailing on the USAT Dorchester troop transport on February 3, 1943, when the vessel, travelling in convoy, was torpedoed by the German submarine U-223 in the North Atlantic. As the vessel sank, the four chaplains calmed the frightened soldiers and sailors, aided in the evacuation of the ship, and helped guide wounded men to safety. The chaplains also gave up their own life jackets.

As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.—Grady Clark, survivor
On December 19, 1944, all four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. The Four Chaplains' Medal was established by act of Congress on July 14, 1960, and was presented posthumously to their next of kin by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker at Ft. Myer, Virginia on January 18, 1961.

The chaplains were also honored with a stamp, issued in 1948 and by an act of Congress designating February 3 as "Four Chaplains Day."


The Dorchester Chaplains - 3 February

The Collect

Holy God, who didst inspire the Dorchester Chaplains to be models of steadfast sacrificial love in a tragic and terrifying time: Help us to follow their example, that their courageous ministry may inspire chaplains and all who serve, to recognize thy presence in the midst of peril; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who livest and reignest with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


The Epistle - Romans 8:15-19, 38-39

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:9-14

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.


+

Memorial Day

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Acts 10


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:7-13


Remembering those who gave their life for our freedom .

Pvt. Azor Curtiss - Bailey's Regiment (23rd Mass.) - † 1778 Battle of Monmouth
Maj. Nathaniel Finch - Goshen-Orange Co. NY Militia - † 1779 Battle of Minisink
Pvt. Herman McCaul - Co. I, 9th US Inf. - † 1899 San Francisco Bay Accident
Sgt. Willard McCaul - HQ Co., 9th US Inf - † 1902 Manila, Philippines Malaria

Simon Sutherland

On this blog I have included the biographies of many great and notable Christians. Today I would like to include that of one of my heroes and ancestors, the Rev. Simon Sutherland. The Sutherland family had come to America from Scotland with others of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and settled in Dutchess County, NY. The American Revolution was a time of great upheaval, not only for America, but also for the Sutherland family. Simon's grand-father was a devoted Quaker and pacifist and had been jailed by both sides during the war for his failure to support them. Simon's father on the other-hand left the Quaker faith as he supported and fought for the Patriot cause, turning to the Baptist denomination.

Below is a biography of the Rev. Sutherland from the book Centennial history of the Steuben Baptist Association, with information in brackets and italics were added from my records (local histories, military and Church records and family tradition) to fill the narrative.

One of the notable characters of the early history of Milo was Simon Sutherland, a faithful and earnest preacher of the Baptist faith. He was born in Stanford Dutchess County in 1779 and married in 1799 Tacey Lapham. They moved into Yates Co. [still part of Ontario Co.] in 1803. He was licensed to preach by the Benton church (1st Milo) Oct 6 1806.

Elder Sutherland preached without compensation for some time, indeed it was on his part a firm resolve in the early part of his ministry to accept no compensation for his ministerial labor. On one occasion when they [the Sutherland family] had lost their cow, some friends started a subscription to buy them another. Upon getting possession of the paper he (Simon Sutherland) threw it under the "forestick" determined to allow nothing of the kind. He supported himself and family by the labor of his hands and preached with zeal and effect to the pioneers of the surrounding country, sometimes going ten miles or more from home on foot to attend his appointments. He formed the first and second Baptist churches in Milo.

In the War of 1812 his brother Roger was a captain [Ontario Co., NY Militia] and the Elder went and served under him [as a Chaplain and Sergeant]. Simon Sutherland's unit was part of the force that took and held Ft. Niagara from the British and Canadian forces until forced to withdraw due to poor supply, morale and mutiny. After the withdraw Elder Sutherland served on the board of court martial that heard cases related to events at Ft. Niagara.

Elder Sutherland had seven daughters and one son, who was accidentally killed by a horse while a small lad and lost three daughters during an epidemic of the measles, yet his faith never wavered in spite of the tragedies.

Elder Simon Sutherland was instrumental in forming churches in Starkey (Now Dundee) Barrington (now Wayne Village) and Pulteney. In the latter town he resided twelve years a minister, in all up-wards of fifty years a preacher. He moved from Pulteney to Starkey where he lived several years and finally died near his old home in Milo Dec 1864 aged 85. He was made of stuff that belongs to the heroes and was ever true to his faith and calling while he was kind, gentle and self sacrificing in domestic and social life.

Elder Sutherland in his old age would often tell with tremulous voice, in his quaint way, of his journeyings from Second Milo to Eddy town and Harpending's Corners through the wilderness guided by marked trees, taking his chances with wild beasts, to dispense the everlasting word of God, holding services at all three places in one day - morning, afternoon and evening.

In the Churchyard Cemetery at Second Milo there is a large monument at his grave, with a Veterans Administration placard attached to it.

Sutherland Simon, Rev.
1864 Dec 5
B1779 Jun 4 in Dutchess Co., NY; died in Milo, ae 85/6
[War of 1812]

+

Simon Sutherland

On this blog I have included the biographies of many great and notable Christians. Today I would like to include that of one of my heroes and ancestors, the Rev. Simon Sutherland. The Sutherland family had come to America from Scotland with others of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and settled in Dutchess County, NY. The American Revolution was a time of great upheaval, not only for America, but also for the Sutherland family. Simon's grand-father was a devoted Quaker and pacifist and had been jailed by both sides during the war for his failure to support them. Simon's father on the other-hand left the Quaker faith as he supported and fought for the Patriot cause, turning to the Baptist denomination.

Below is a biography of the Rev. Sutherland from the book Centennial history of the Steuben Baptist Association, with information in brackets and italics were added from my records (local histories, military and Church records and family tradition) to fill the narrative.

One of the notable characters of the early history of Milo was Simon Sutherland, a faithful and earnest preacher of the Baptist faith. He was born in Stanford Dutchess County in 1779 and married in 1799 Tacey Lapham. They moved into Yates Co. [still part of Ontario Co.] in 1803. He was licensed to preach by the Benton church (1st Milo) Oct 6 1806.

Elder Sutherland preached without compensation for some time, indeed it was on his part a firm resolve in the early part of his ministry to accept no compensation for his ministerial labor. On one occasion when they [the Sutherland family] had lost their cow, some friends started a subscription to buy them another. Upon getting possession of the paper he (Simon Sutherland) threw it under the "forestick" determined to allow nothing of the kind. He supported himself and family by the labor of his hands and preached with zeal and effect to the pioneers of the surrounding country, sometimes going ten miles or more from home on foot to attend his appointments. He formed the first and second Baptist churches in Milo.

In the War of 1812 his brother Roger was a captain [Ontario Co., NY Militia] and the Elder went and served under him [as a Chaplain and Sergeant]. Simon Sutherland's unit was part of the force that took and held Ft. Niagara from the British and Canadian forces until forced to withdraw due to poor supply, morale and mutiny. After the withdraw Elder Sutherland served on the board of court martial that heard cases related to events at Ft. Niagara.

Elder Sutherland had seven daughters and one son, who was accidentally killed by a horse while a small lad and lost three daughters during an epidemic of the measles, yet his faith never wavered in spite of the tragedies.

Elder Simon Sutherland was instrumental in forming churches in Starkey (Now Dundee) Barrington (now Wayne Village) and Pulteney. In the latter town he resided twelve years a minister, in all up-wards of fifty years a preacher. He moved from Pulteney to Starkey where he lived several years and finally died near his old home in Milo Dec 1864 aged 85. He was made of stuff that belongs to the heroes and was ever true to his faith and calling while he was kind, gentle and self sacrificing in domestic and social life.

Elder Sutherland in his old age would often tell with tremulous voice, in his quaint way, of his journeyings from Second Milo to Eddy town and Harpending's Corners through the wilderness guided by marked trees, taking his chances with wild beasts, to dispense the everlasting word of God, holding services at all three places in one day - morning, afternoon and evening.

In the Churchyard Cemetery at Second Milo there is a large monument at his grave, with a Veterans Administration placard attached to it.

Sutherland Simon, Rev.
1864 Dec 5
B1779 Jun 4 in Dutchess Co., NY; died in Milo, ae 85/6
[War of 1812]

+

Lepanto

The Battle of Lepanto took place on 7 October 1571 when a fleet of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic maritime states, Spain, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia, the Republic of Venice, the Papacy, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Knights Hospitaller with additional troops from Germany and Croatia decisively defeated the main fleet of the Muslim Ottoman Empire.

The battle lasted for five hours on the northern edge of the Gulf of Patras, off western Greece, where the Ottoman forces sailing westwards from their naval station in Lepanto (Turkish: İnebahtı; Naupaktos or Épahtos) met the Holy League forces, which had come from Messina ships were manned by Berbers, Egyptians and Syrians

The Victory of the Holy League prevented the Mediterranean Sea from becoming an uncontested highway for Muslim forces, protected Italy from a major Ottoman invasion, and prevented the Ottomans from advancing further into the southern flank of Europe. Lepanto was the last major naval battle fought entirely between galleys, and has been assigned great symbolic importance.


the Commemoration of the Christian Victory at Lepanto - 7 October

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY God, the Sovereign Commander of all the world, in whose hand is power and might, which none is able to withstand; We bless and magnify thy great and glorious Name for this happy Victory, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to thee, who art the only giver of Victory. And. we beseech thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our country, and. as much as in us lieth, to the good of all mankind. And, we beseech thee, give us such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thankfulness, such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, as for all thy mercies, so in particular for this Victory and Deliverance, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.


A Prayer for Protection From and the Conversion of the Mohammedans.....

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Mohammedans, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.


The Epistle - Ephesians 6:10-20.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


The Holy Gospel - St. John 14:1-4.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.


+

11 September

Prayers for this day.


On an Anniversary of the Departed:

ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servants, and we pray thee that, having opened to them the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive them more and more into thy joyful service; that they may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Our Country:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of War and Tumults:

O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For All in the Service of Our Country:

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

†

Maximilian Kolbe

(January 8, 1894–August 14, 1941), also known as Maksymilian or Massimiliano Maria Kolbe. Born as Rajmund Kolbe, was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German concentration camp at Auschwitz.

In order to discourage escapes, the camp had a rule that if a man escaped, ten men would be killed in retaliation. In July 1941 a man from Kolbe's bunker escaped. The remaining men of the bunker were led out and ten were selected, including a Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek. When he uttered a cry of dismay, Maximilian stepped forward and said, "I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children." The officer had more use for a young worker than for an old one, and was happy to make the exchange. The ten men were placed in a large cell and left there to starve. Maximilian encouraged the others with prayers, psalms, and meditations on the Passion of Christ. After two weeks, only four were alive, and only Maximilian was fully conscious. The four were killed with injections of carbolic acid on 14 August 1941.


Maximilian Kolbe - 14 August - Friar and Martyr

The Collect.

Most loving Father, whose Son Jesus Christ came to give his life as a ransom for many: Grant to us the grace, as thou didst grant to thy servant Maximilian Kolbe, to be always ready to come to the aid of those in need or distress, not counting the cost; that so we may follow in the footsteps of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_Kolbe
http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/JEK/08/14.html
http://www.monasteryicons.com/monasteryicons/Icons-of-Saints-of-the-East-amp-West_M15/Item_St-Maximilian-Kolbe_389_ps_cti-M15.html

†

Memorial Day

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Acts 10


The Holy Gospel - St. John 15:7-13


Remembering those who gave their life for our freedom .

Pvt. Azor Curtiss - Bailey's Regiment (23rd Mass.) - † 1778 Battle of Monmouth
Maj. Nathaniel Finch - Goshen-Orange Co. NY Militia - † 1779 Battle of Minisink
Pvt. Herman McCaul - Co. I, 9th US Inf. - † 1899 San Francisco Bay Accident
Sgt. Willard McCaul - HQ Co., 9th US Inf - † 1902 Manila, Philippines Malaria

Simon Sutherland

On this blog I have included the biographies of many great and notable Christians. Today I would like to include that of one of my heroes and ancestors, the Rev. Simon Sutherland. The Sutherland family had come to America from Scotland with others of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and settled in Dutchess County, NY. The American Revolution was a time of great upheaval, not only for America, but also for the Sutherland family. Simon's grand-father was a devoted Quaker and pacifist and had been jailed by both sides during the war for his failure to support them. Simon's father on the other-hand left the Quaker faith as he supported and fought for the Patriot cause, turning to the Baptist denomination.

Below is a biography of the Rev. Sutherland from the book Centennial history of the Steuben Baptist Association, with information in brackets and italics were added from my records (local histories, military and Church records and family tradition) to fill the narrative.

One of the notable characters of the early history of Milo was Simon Sutherland, a faithful and earnest preacher of the Baptist faith. He was born in Stanford Dutchess County in 1779 and married in 1799 Tacey Lapham. They moved into Yates Co. [still part of Ontario Co.] in 1803. He was licensed to preach by the Benton church (1st Milo) Oct 6 1806.

Elder Sutherland preached without compensation for some time, indeed it was on his part a firm resolve in the early part of his ministry to accept no compensation for his ministerial labor. On one occasion when they [the Sutherland family] had lost their cow, some friends started a subscription to buy them another. Upon getting possession of the paper he (Simon Sutherland) threw it under the "forestick" determined to allow nothing of the kind. He supported himself and family by the labor of his hands and preached with zeal and effect to the pioneers of the surrounding country, sometimes going ten miles or more from home on foot to attend his appointments. He formed the first and second Baptist churches in Milo.

In the War of 1812 his brother Roger was a captain [Ontario Co., NY Militia] and the Elder went and served under him [as a Chaplain and Sergeant]. Simon Sutherland's unit was part of the force that took and held Ft. Niagara from the British and Canadian forces until forced to withdraw due to poor supply, morale and mutiny. After the withdraw Elder Sutherland served on the board of court martial that heard cases related to events at Ft. Niagara.

Elder Sutherland had seven daughters and one son, who was accidentally killed by a horse while a small lad and lost three daughters during an epidemic of the measles, yet his faith never wavered in spite of the tragedies.

Elder Simon Sutherland was instrumental in forming churches in Starkey (Now Dundee) Barrington (now Wayne Village) and Pulteney. In the latter town he resided twelve years a minister, in all up-wards of fifty years a preacher. He moved from Pulteney to Starkey where he lived several years and finally died near his old home in Milo Dec 1864 aged 85. He was made of stuff that belongs to the heroes and was ever true to his faith and calling while he was kind, gentle and self sacrificing in domestic and social life.

Elder Sutherland in his old age would often tell with tremulous voice, in his quaint way, of his journeyings from Second Milo to Eddy town and Harpending's Corners through the wilderness guided by marked trees, taking his chances with wild beasts, to dispense the everlasting word of God, holding services at all three places in one day - morning, afternoon and evening.

In the Churchyard Cemetery at Second Milo there is a large monument at his grave, with a Veterans Administration placard attached to it.

Sutherland Simon, Rev.
1864 Dec 5
B1779 Jun 4 in Dutchess Co., NY; died in Milo, ae 85/6
[War of 1812]

+

Lepanto

The Battle of Lepanto took place on 7 October 1571 when a fleet of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic maritime states, Spain, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia, the Republic of Venice, the Papacy, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Knights Hospitaller with additional troops from Germany and Croatia decisively defeated the main fleet of the Muslim Ottoman Empire.

The battle lasted for five hours on the northern edge of the Gulf of Patras, off western Greece, where the Ottoman forces sailing westwards from their naval station in Lepanto (Turkish: İnebahtı; Naupaktos or Épahtos) met the Holy League forces, which had come from Messina ships were manned by Berbers, Egyptians and Syrians

The Victory of the Holy League prevented the Mediterranean Sea from becoming an uncontested highway for Muslim forces, protected Italy from a major Ottoman invasion, and prevented the Ottomans from advancing further into the southern flank of Europe. Lepanto was the last major naval battle fought entirely between galleys, and has been assigned great symbolic importance.


Propers for the Commemoration of the Christian Victory at Lepanto - 7 October

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY God, the Sovereign Commander of all the world, in whose hand is power and might, which none is able to withstand; We bless and magnify thy great and glorious Name for this happy Victory, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to thee, who art the only giver of Victory. And. we beseech thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our country, and. as much as in us lieth, to the good of all mankind. And, we beseech thee, give us such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thankfulness, such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, as for all thy mercies, so in particular for this Victory and Deliverance, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.


A Prayer for Protection From and the Conversion of the Mohammedans.....

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Mohammedans, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.


The Epistle - Ephesians 6:10-20.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


The Holy Gospel - St. John 14:1-4.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.


+

11 September

Prayers for this day.


On an Anniversary of the Departed:

ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servants, and we pray thee that, having opened to them the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive them more and more into thy joyful service; that they may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Our Country:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of War and Tumults:

O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For All in the Service of Our Country:

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

†

Maximilian Kolbe

(January 8, 1894–August 14, 1941), also known as Maksymilian or Massimiliano Maria Kolbe. Born as Rajmund Kolbe, was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German concentration camp at Auschwitz.

In order to discourage escapes, the camp had a rule that if a man escaped, ten men would be killed in retaliation. In July 1941 a man from Kolbe's bunker escaped. The remaining men of the bunker were led out and ten were selected, including a Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek. When he uttered a cry of dismay, Maximilian stepped forward and said, "I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children." The officer had more use for a young worker than for an old one, and was happy to make the exchange. The ten men were placed in a large cell and left there to starve. Maximilian encouraged the others with prayers, psalms, and meditations on the Passion of Christ. After two weeks, only four were alive, and only Maximilian was fully conscious. The four were killed with injections of carbolic acid on 14 August 1941.


Propers for Maximilian Kolbe - Friar and Martyr

The Collect.

Most loving Father, whose Son Jesus Christ came to give his life as a ransom for many: Grant to us the grace, as thou didst grant to thy servant Maximilian Kolbe, to be always ready to come to the aid of those in need or distress, not counting the cost; that so we may follow in the footsteps of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_Kolbe
http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/JEK/08/14.html
http://www.monasteryicons.com/monasteryicons/Icons-of-Saints-of-the-East-amp-West_M15/Item_St-Maximilian-Kolbe_389_ps_cti-M15.html

†

Memorial Day

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

Remembering those who gave their life for our freedom .

Pvt. Azor Curtiss - Bailey's Regiment (23rd Mass.) - † 1778 Battle of Monmouth
Maj. Nathaniel Finch - Goshen-Orange Co. NY Militia - † 1779 Battle of Minisink
Pvt. Herman McCaul - Co. I, 9th US Inf. - † 1899 San Francisco Bay Accident
Sgt. Willard McCaul - HQ Co., 9th US Inf - † 1902 Manila, Philippines Malaria