250th Anniversary of First Continental Congress remembered in Aldie

The First Continental Congress was held at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia from September 5 to October 26, 1774 in response to what became known as the "Intolerable Acts". The French and Indian War in North America was an expensive campaign for Great Britain. The war ended in 1763 and almost immediately Parliament in Great Britain set about imposing a series of acts that imposed taxes on the American Colonies. As each new act was levied, the cry “No Taxation without Representation” was heard louder and louder. The Boston Tea party in December 1773 was a protest against the May 1773 Tea act. Tensions continued to increase from December 1773 through the Spring and Summer of 1774. With no relief in sight, the Colonies collectively called for a Congress to meet in September. Virginia elected George Washington, Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, Benjamin Harrison and Richard Bland Delegates. The Congress elected Peyton Randolph President and Charles Thomson of Pennsylvania Secretary.

In an 1810 vintage home in Old Town Aldie, site of the first Aldie Post Office, the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter performed a Skit summarizing the Accomplishments of the First Continental Congress. Players in Colonial Attire read their parts. David Welker played Secretary Charles Thomson, Steve Riddle portrayed President Peyton Randolph, Jim Watts played Reverend Jacob Duché, Mark Sink played Patrick Henry, Warner Workman played John Adams, Valerie Sink (Lanes Mill Chapter DAR) played Hannah Thomson, and Barry Schwoerer was the narrator. Randolph and Thomson discussed the accomplishments of the Congress including adopting the Articles of Association; Reverend Duché recreated his prayer that greatly impressed the delegates; John Adams read a letter to his wife, Abigail, summarizing the impact Duche’s prayer had on delegates; Patrick Henry recreated his remarks to Congress “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders, are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.” Mark Sink as Patrick Henry also recreated the last part of his famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death Speech” as the narrator summarized the impact of the Congress and events to come. The audience stomped, cheered and clapped at Henry’s remarks. Hannah Thomson (Valerie Sink) brought news of Resolves issued by 51 ladies of Edenton, NC.

On October 26, 1774, two Hundred and fifty Years ago, The First Continental Congress adjourned after declaring that if Parliament failed to respect and act upon its objections to the Intolerable Acts, a Second Continental Congress would be convened in 1775. That second gathering would indeed meet, also in Philadelphia, but this time in a hall whose new name today reflects the course carefully charted by the First Continental Congress – that of Independence.

The 1st Continental Congress established the framework for the Colonies actions as events unfolded in 1775. As Colonists throughout the 13 colonies recognized the seriousness of relationships between the Colonies and Great Britain they began stockpiling materials of war, training militia, and generally preparing to defend themselves.

On April 19, 1775, five months after the Fist Continental Congress adjourned, the fears of the Colonies were realized with the "Shot heard around the World". With the Battle of Lexington and Concord the War for Independence was underway.

For more information about the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter please visit our website at: http://johnchampe-sar.org