Book of Short Stories, By Fifth Grade Pupils

A Book Of Short Stories page 54

Pilgrims Going To Church

Norma Young

George H. Boughton, the well-known artist of Pilgrim pictures, painted "Pilgrims Going to Church".

The scene shows a cold, dark day in winter. The soft, grey light gives the feeling of more snow on the way. We see a small band of courageous Pilgrims on its way across a field of snow to church. No one is talking for all know well the danger of an Indian attack. The men carry muskets to protect their little group against the red men. Men at the head and rear of the procession guard the women and children who are in the center of the picture. The minister and his wife follow the front guards.The old religious man walks along unconscious of his surroundings, while his wife seems very calm and brave. Perhaps she is trying to give courage to those following. Only one of the Pilgrim women seems frightened as we notice her staring in the direction of the dark pine woods. The man at the extreme right of the picture is holding out his hands as if to give a signal of immediate danger. Steadfast and true to their ideals the Pilgrims are ready to risk their lives.

The original of this picture hangs in the Lenox Gallery of the Public Library in new Your City.

Norma Young

School No. 72

George H. Boughton "Pilgrims Going to Church"
George H. Boughton "Pilgrims Going to Church"