Society of Mayflower Descendants
in the State of Georgia
Welcome
Georgia was granted a Charter by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants to form a State Society on October 31st, 1929. From the 22 charter members, the State Society has grown to an active membership of 330 members. Fifty two percent of the members reside in metropolitan Atlanta, approximately 33 percent throughout the rest of the State of Georgia and the remaining 15 percent live out-of-state.
About the Mayflower Compact
The original document is
not known to exist today. The earliest copy of the text appeared in print in 1622 in 'Mourt's
Relation.' "The earliest handwritten copy of the text was that by Governor Bradford in his
history, 'Of Plimoth Plantation,' and was probably set down in his handwriting between 1630 and
1646. He did not list the signers, nor did he refer to the document as 'Compact' or 'Mayflower
Compact.'"
Before Coming to the New World, the Pilgrims lived in Leyden, Holland from 1608 to 1620. While
there, they absorbed the liberating influences of Dutch society and shifted toward a more
democratic form of self-governance.
As the
passengers aboard the Mayflower journeyed across the Atlantic, tensions arose among the three
factions: the Separatists seeking religious freedom, the merchant-adventurers seeking their
fortune, and the crew seeking their livelihood. It became apparent that if these passengers were
to survive in an alien land, they needed to consent voluntarily to a cooperative form of
government. Thus it was that The Mayflower Compact came into being and was signed by the
adult male passengers in November, 1620. While the language of Shakespeare's day might seem quaint
to us today, the spirit of democracy set forth in this famous document is timeless.
The Mayflower Compact
"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc."
"Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour
of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; do
by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and
combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better ordering and Preservation,
and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such
just and equal laws, ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be
thought most meet and convenient for the General Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due
Submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the
eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and
Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
Benefits of Being a Member
Uphold the Mayflower heritage in the face of a rapidly
changing world.
The principles established when the Mayflower Compact was written in 1620 exemplify the
democratic form of government upon which our U.S. Constitution is based. Highlights from this
heritage are needed for our descendants as the schools drift further away from the early history
of our country and contemporary perspectives further erode the spiritual foundation of our
country.
Establish a friendship with others whose roots hark back
to the Mayflower.
Join members in the spring and November for the regularly scheduled meetings. Commit yourself
to keeping the Mayflower Society strong and vital by joining its committees.
Receive special privileges.
The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, headquartered in Plymouth, MA, provides extensive
genealogical and historical information.
See www.themayflowersociety.com. Every third
September members from all over the United States and Canada gather in Plymouth for special
meetings and tours. Plimoth (sic.) Plantation welcomes Mayflower members at a special rate and
provides a window into the past through its recreation of the original colony.
See www.plimoth.org.
Receive publications from both the General Society and the
Georgia Society.
The Mayflower Quarterly, published by General Society, provides a wealth of information
about history, genealogy, and current activities of the various societies. The Georgia Society
Newsletter provides information about the Georgia meetings held twice a year in the Atlanta area,
and covers matters of interest to the members.