In a message dated 11/9/2002 6:41:38 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Anything that might be construed to be a Thanksgiving service?
>
>

A group of merchants, granted a charter by the London Company, landed
December 4, 1619, on the shore of the James River on the site of what became
known as Berkeley Hundred. The settlers were instructed "the day of our ships
arrival at the place assigned for the plantation in the land of Virginia
shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to
Almighty God." That first Thanksgiving Day is perpetuated by Virginia Code
Section 2.2-3300 which provides: "The fourth Thursday in November and the
Friday next following - Thanksgiving Day to honor and give thanks in each
person's own manner for the blessings bestowed upon the people of Virginia
and honoring the first Thanksgiving in 1619." An Indian massacre in 1622
wiped out the settlement. Later acquired by Benjamin Harrison II, the current
home was built in 1726 by Benjamin Harrison IV near the original landing site
and named for Richard Berkeley, one of the original settlers.

Richard Dixon
12106 Beaver Creek Road
Clifton, VA 2014-2115
703-830-8177
fax 703-691-0978

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