CWA Chapter inspired by ‘Monumental’ documentary

Attendees at the July 15 local Concerned Women for America Prayer/Action Chapter meeting were inspired and renewed in their dedication to the founding principles of the United States after viewing the documentary film “Monumental.” 

Produced and directed by actor Kirk Cameron, the movie documents Cameron’s visits to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C., as well as to England and Holland, where he uncovered numerous historical keys about who the Pilgrims were, what made them unique, and how their impact continued through the founding documents and early history of the United States. 

Through conversations with historians and visits to little-known sites, the film documents the questioning of the “divine right of kings” in England, which eventually led to the Separatists’ decision to start afresh in the New World. Contrary to the tidy summary in some history textbooks, the Separatists did not have an easy time; the escape to Holland was fraught with setbacks; but they persevered, with men taking responsibility even in the face of danger. There, for 12 years, Pastor John Robinson led the group in studying biblical principles for civil society. 

Little-known details about the Pilgrims include a printing press set up in William Bradford’s home to sneak books back to English relatives; generational perspective as plans were developed for educating children; and the sacrifice of those forced to stay behind when one of the two ships heading for the New World proved unseaworthy. Although nearly half of the Pilgrims died on the voyage or during the first winter, the Mayflower Compact provided the survivors with a strong faith-based foundation for self-government. Bradford even learned Hebrew to gain deeper understanding of the Bible’s guidance in principles of self-government. 

Throughout the documentary, a main reference point is the “Monument to the Forefathers,” authorized by Congress and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 130 years after the Pilgrims and eventually dedicated in 1889. At the top of the monument is “Faith,” holding an open Bible; around the base are statues representing Morality, Law, Education, and Liberty, each flanked by additional symbols including a scroll and a Ten Commandments replica. 

The monument is located in a Plymouth, Massachusetts, neighborhood, not far from the better-known harbor area. After learning about the monument during a local Biblical Citizenship class, this writer visited the site while on vacation and can attest to its impressive detail, all pointing to the original Bible-based principles that were the Pilgrims’ intention. Throughout the documentary, Cameron’s research shows historic artifacts and monuments that attest to continued commitment to those principles by the Founders and early educators. The documentary is well worth seeing, via DVD or various streaming services. 

The group also spent time in prayer for current national, state and local leaders to remain committed to those principles. Concerned Women for America is committed to prayer and action to hold leaders accountable and educate future generations. Get involved locally by attending Chapter meetings at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday monthly at Covenant Life Church, 120 N. Third St. in downtown Branson. Email havenhoward01@gmail.com to receive meeting reminders and other CWA news.