Virtual Hike to Providence, Rhode Island

The next destination on my Virtual Hike was Providence, Rhode Island which was founded in 1636 by my 10th Great Grandfather Roger Williams.

Virtual Hike, Roger Williams, providence, Rhode Island, Family HistoryThis segment of the Virtual Hike started in New Milford, Connecticut where my Rowe and Murray ancestors lived in the early 1800’s.

The route goes through Connecticut and on to Rhode Island.

Virtual Hike, Roger Williams, providence, Rhode Island, Family HistoryAlong the route I noticed an interesting little museum. This is the Marcy Blacksmith Museum. It is located inside the historic Brayton Grist Mill in the Mashamoquet Brook State Park.

Not far from this grist mill is Ellington, Connecticut where my Braman ancestors lived. They were blacksmiths, so it would be interesting to learn about the history of the trade in this area. Perhaps someday I can make a physical trip to this museum.

Virtual Hike, Roger Williams, providence, Rhode Island, Family HistoryIn Providence there were a couple places I wanted to virtually see. One was the Roger Williams National Memorial. Shown here in Street View is the Visitor’s Center.

Virtual Hike, Roger Williams, providence, Rhode Island, Family HistoryI also wanted to virtually see the Roger Williams statue at Prospect Terrace park.

Virtual Hike, Roger Williams, providence, Rhode Island, Family HistoryThe statue is about 15 feet tall and looks out over the city that he founded. The statue was dedicated in 1939.

The remains of Roger Williams also lie below the statue, after having been moved twice since his original burial in 1683.

Unfortunately the only time I have been in Rhode Island was before I knew that I was a descendant of Roger Williams. I need to take a trip there again someday and visit these places.

I have now caught up on documenting my Virtual Hike. I made it to Providence only a couple weeks ago

I am now heading toward a historically significant place where I want to virtually be on November 21.

Will I make it there in time?

Steven

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A Mighty Fortress

Many of you know the great hymn that starts “A mighty fortress is our God….”

You may even know that it was written by Martin Luther. However you may not know the inspiration for the hymn.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressHere is a picture of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Notice the large tower. The church building was originally part of a large castle complex and this was one of the guard towers.

wittenberg, germany, fortress church, castle church, reformatioI took a picture of one of the interpretive signs that showed what the complex may have looked like. The church building was part of the Ascanian Duke’s fortress/castle/palace. It would have been a very secure place.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressHere is a picture taken from the tower end. You may notice the wording on the band below the crown section. The wording is Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott which is the opening line in German of the hymn.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressHere you can see the main doors of the church building. You can also see a smaller door to the right which is usually used to enter the building.

These doors are very important in Reformation History.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressThe doors are made of Bronze and were hung in 1858 on the 375th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther.

The original wooden doors had been burnt in 1760 during the Pomeranian War.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressIt was on the original wooden doors that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on October 31, 1517, which is 503 years ago today.

Castle Church Wittenberg, Martin Luther, 95 theses, church doors, Mighty FortressOn the doors are inscribed the 95 Theses of Martin Luther in Latin.

Martin Luther Grave, Grave Plate, Wittenberg, Germany, Castle ChurchThe grave of Martin Luther, is also inside the church building. For more on this see my post: Martin Luther’s Grave

We need to remember that our God is a mighty fortress, especially in the troubled times we are living in.

Steven

 

 

 

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