Presidential Prayer Kids

This postcard print from the first part of the 20th century shows the artist’s idea of the embarkation of the London Virginia Company’s expedition to the New World that led to the founding of Jamestown, VA. The explorers left England December 19, 1606. Image courtesy of historichamptonroads.com.

Four hundred years ago last month on April 27, 1607, a brave group of settlers first set foot on the soil of Cape Henry, VA. There are all kinds of celebrations taking place in Virginia for the next several weeks. In fact, the Queen of England is here to celebrate this great occasion! Do you know why the anniversary of the first settlement at Jamestown is important?

These are some buildings that have been recreated to show what early colony life was like. Would you like to live in one of these homes?

This is an early map of Virginia created by Captain John Smith who was governor of the first colony. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The small band of 104 men and boys—many of them “gentlemen” who were not particularly suited to the rugged life that awaited them—traveled across the fierce Atlantic Ocean in three small ships, the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, seeking a passageway to the Far East.

Here is part of the charter from James I, King of England:
We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their desires for the furtherance of so noble a work, which may, by the providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the glory of His Divine Majesty, in propagating of the Christian religion to such people as yet live in darkness and miserable ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God, and may in time bring the infidels and savages living in those parts to human civility and to a settled and quiet government, do, by these our letters patent, graciously accept of, and agree to, their humble and well-intended desires.

As they sailed, the settlers brought with them supplies and equipment to help them establish their new colony—food, spices and clothing, yard goods, tools and more. These supplies would be needed as they set up their new home—supplies that met physical needs.

The settlers brought provisions for their spiritual needs as well. They were required to establish a church as one of their first priorities, and, since there would be no source for pastors in the New World, they also brought a pastor! That’s right! Rev. Robert Hunt was appointed by the charter company to serve as chaplain throughout the ocean crossing, and he became the pastor of the Anglican congregation once the colonists arrived.

Many stories have been told about the Jamestown colonists, implying that they were unwilling and ill-prepared for the hard work that would be required in the New World. But Rev. Hunt was not only a hard worker, he also soon became a valued leader among the settlers. Captain John Smith said the pastor was "our honest, religious and courageous divine."

This memorial cross, erected in 1935 by the Daughters of the American Colonists, is meant to represent the original cross planted by original settlers of the Jamestown, VA colony. Isn’t it great that the earliest settlers of our nation came with faith in their hearts and a desire to serve God and share their love for Him with those they met in the New World. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Rev. Hunt worked hard to resolve disputes among colonists, even during the long crossing. When they arrived at Cape Henry, named for the Prince of Wales, Rev. Hunt really stepped up to his spiritual responsibilities. Acutely aware of the great challenges they would face, and knowing that such a significant undertaking could only succeed with the help of God, he did what many godly leaders have done both before and since: he called for prayer and fasting—three days of prayer and fasting!

At the end of their fast, Rev. Hunt led the band of men in a service of dedication, erecting a large wooden cross on the shore where they supposed their settlement would be. This led to what may have been the first Protestant sermon in the New World. He prayed and dedicated their land and their venture to God, saying "...from these very shores the Gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but the entire world."

This photo shows the shrine at the National Park Service's Historic Jamestowne settlement honoring Rev. Robert Hunt and his leadership of the early residents of the colony. The shrine symbolizes the makeshift outdoor chapel erected by Rev. Hunt for worship services for the men and boys of Jamestown, most of whom would die in the first year, as did Chaplain Hunt. The shrine honors Hunt for his self-sacrifice and leadership in those first difficult months of the colony. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Rev. Hunt soon began holding worship services for the members of the colony, and he used a sail from one of the ships to craft a makeshift chapel until a more permanent structure could be built. Serving communion and leading daily prayers, Chaplain Hunt was faithful to his calling to serve the people of the new colony.

It’s unfortunate that the men of Jamestown did not reciprocate the minister’s hard work. In fact, many of them felt manual labor was beneath them, and they languished and starved rather than build, till and plant. They should have moved their fort away from the swampy, mosquito-infested cape they’d first chosen, but they did not. Sadly, the fort suffered a fire in January of 1608. Though many were discouraged, Rev. Hunt kept good cheer, causing Capt. Smith to say of him, "Good master Hunt lost all his library, and all that he had but the clothes on his back, yet none ever did see him repine at his loss...Yet we had daily Common Prayer morning and evening, every Sunday two sermons and every three months the Holy Communion till our minister died."

This photo shows the bell tower of the original church built at the Jamestown Colony in 1639. The colony charter required that a church be built and regular services be held. In fact, leaders were required to lead their men in twice-daily prayers. This bell tower was one of the few remnants of the Jamestown Settlement visible in the 1890s, when the picture was taken. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Most historians believe that Rev. Hunt died in the spring of 1608. His ministry in the New World didn’t last long, but it had a great impact! Today, when people visit Jamestown, if they are listening with spiritual ears, they will hear the great story of the faith of the earliest settlers of that area and the excellent ministry of Rev. Robert Hunt.

QUESTION 1

True or False When he spoke to the people gathered in the East Room of the White House for the National Day of Prayer observances this week, President Bush said that he wishes Americans would pray more because he feels we are a fairly weak nation due to our lack of prayer.

True

False

QUESTION 2

True or False White House Press Secretary Tony Snow thinks that people who don’t believe in prayer are just plain wrong!

True

False

QUESTION 3

This week’s Quadricentennial celebrations at Jamestown, VA prove what about our country?

QUESTION 4

In the Jamestown Charter, what is one of the stated purposes for the settlement of the colony?

QUESTION 5

Why is Rev. Robert Hunt is important to the history of the Jamestown Colony?

Speaking of the National Day of Prayer, it was a great day when millions joined together to honor the Lord and ask His blessing and strength for America. Here at the Presidential Prayer Team for Kids, we had a busy week getting everything ready. We created a new prayer tool that you might want to check out. It’s our Prayers for America Prayer Wall. It’s a place where you can post your prayers for our country or read prayers written by others. It’s pretty encouraging to see all the prayers offered. It really reminds you how many people are praying for our country at any time. And because of your involvement with the Presidential Prayer Team for Kids, you are part of that!

So ask your mom or dad if it’s okay to view the prayer wall—or better yet, get them to come look at it with you—and click on the button that says “post your prayer.” It’s one more way you can make a difference in America!

It’s been a great week in America, with the National Day of Prayer and the celebration at Jamestown! We hope you’ve learned something new about the wonderful spiritual heritage of the Jamestown Colony. For though the first colonists were not terrifically successful in their efforts, everyone should know about the spiritual purposes of their mission. The people who settled our country founded their efforts on their faith in God. Today in America, we welcome people of all faiths and treat them with respect. But it is good to know that the first settlers to our country wanted everything they did to glorify God and spread the Gospel. As a kid who prays, that’s an important thing for you to know!

Would you like to offer feedback on PPT for Kids? Write to your editor: Editor@presidentialprayerteam.org.