Collect Day #32, NELLIE BROWN MITCHELL O God, the source of the blessed gifts we receive: today we remember Nellie Brown Mitchell and her gift of a beautiful singing voice, which she shared with the world, in worship of You, and by teaching others; may she be a reminder to us to appreciate and use the precious gifts we have received from You; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,…
Collect Day #31, NOYES ACADEMY O God, Ancient Heart of Love who instills us with the Divine Spark of Grace: we thank you for the courageous witness of abolitionists who built Noyes Academy for all, for Julia Williams who risked her life to be educated, for the Rev. Alexander Crummell who dared to fight against segregation within the church, and for the Rev. Henry Highland Garnet who inspired rebellion against evil. May the examples of their faith be an inspiration…
Collect Day #30, HARRIET WILSON O God, present to us in the embrace of the Holy Spirit: we remember today Harriett Wilson, daughter of Milford, New Hampshire and first African American novelist; we thank you for her voice, for her perseverance through hardship and for her exploration of the spirits that deepened her understanding of all that is seen and unseen in your creation; may we find in her heroic story the immeasurable value of all human life and repent…
Collect Day #29, OLIVER CROMWELL GILBERT O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who called your people out of bondage and death into life and freedom: we lift up today Oliver Cromwell Gilbert who bravely escaped the evils of slavery in America to begin a new life as an educator, musician, husband and father; may we like those who helped Oliver to find safety to pursue his courageous battle against racism also never waiver in our responsibility to speak out…
Collect Day #28, FREDERICK DOUGLASS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Almighty God, we bless your Name for the witness of Frederick Douglass, whose impassioned and reasonable speech moved the hearts of people to a deeper obedience to Christ even as was “warned out” of many towns in New Hampshire: Strengthen us also to speak on behalf of those in captivity and tribulation, continuing in the Word of Jesus Christ our Liberator; who with you and the Holy Spirit dwells in glory everlasting.…
Collect Day #27, NANCY GARDNER PRINCE O Word which became flesh and dwelt among us: we lift up today Nancy Gardner Prince, author, courageous educator, protector of orphans, business woman and world traveler who proudly shared her story and heritage in brilliant clarity; may we be inspired by her tireless efforts to help those in need regardless of their heritage so that all division may be erased from your beautiful world; this we ask in the Name of him who…
Collect Day #26, BETSEY DUE RAZEE God of forgiveness, whose will it is always to have mercy, we remember before you Betsey Due Razee, about whom we know so little. We do know that she was investigated, humiliated and singled out by her church for the misdeeds of her husband. And we know that she had the courage to stand her ground, alone, until she had no choice, and still was mistreated. We ask your forgiveness for the sins of…
Collect Day #25, CYRUS /SIRAS DEBRUCE O God who clothes the lilies, we give you thanks for the life of Sirus DeBruce. We have learned that he was a man of bravery, who spent his life working for other men. We give special thanks for his sense of style and his elegant appearance, even as a servant. We thank you for his courage to stand out. We thank you for his pride and individuality. We pray that all of us…
Collect Day #24, ESTHER WHIPPLE MULLINAUX O God of Wisdom, today we remember Esther, daughter of a slave, faithful church member and laborer. Despite losing her husband and being shamed by the church, Esther persisted. Her tenacity and hard work enabled her to thrive, and even after her death she had the means to support the education of newly freed slaves. We ask that we may have her strength, when we feel ashamed, to keep working. We ask that we…
Collect Day #23, RICHARD POTTER Loving father, who has delighted in creating a world of wonder for your children: we thank you for the witness of Richard Potter, who used his gifts as entertainer to bring joy throughout his life. Help us to follow in his example, doing our best to use our own God given talents to bring true pleasure to others; through Christ our Lord. Amen. DAY #23, March 12, 2018 Andover RICHARD POTTER (1783–1835) J. Dennis Robinson…
