The Ages Of The Founders In 1776, with other items
A Divertimento for the Holiday
James Monroe, 18
Gilbert Stuart, 20
Aaron Burr, 20
Alexander Hamilton, 21
Betsy Ross, 24
James Madison, 25
Thomas Jefferson, 33
John Adams, 40
Paul Revere, 41
George Washington, 44
Samuel Adams, 53
This makes it clear why Benjamin Franklin is always viewed as the “grand old man” of the nation. At 70, he was more than twice the age of the composer of the Declaration of Independence.
The United States was certainly a young person’s idea.
Since we’re speaking of Independence Day, not everyone knows that it is a feast day on The Episcopal Church’s calendar. As our country was not to be allied with Great Britain, so our church could no longer be a part of The Church of England.
After all, the original intercessions included a prayer for the king and acknowledgement that he was the “defender of the faith”. That wouldn’t do. So, while it took nearly a decade to organize, it could be argued that The Episcopal Church of the United States was also born on July 4th, 1776.
Here’s the official collect for today:
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
