Living in Faith
Have you ever heard the word “Huguenot” and wondered what it meant? It’s a term used to describe a group of people from history, and it’s not something you hear every day.
A “Huguenot” was a French Protestant who lived during the 1500s and 1600s. Back then, most people in France were Catholic, but some people believed in a different way to worship, and they became Protestants. These Protestants were called Huguenots. Unfortunately, because of their different beliefs, they faced a lot of fighting and even violence from the Catholics.
One of the most famous events in Huguenot history was the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 1572, when many Huguenots were killed because of their religion. Over time, many Huguenots fled France to escape the fighting and violence. Some moved to other countries like the United States, England, and the Netherlands, where they could practice their faith freely.
Even though the term “Huguenot” isn’t used much today, it’s an important part of history. It reminds us about how people have fought for their right to believe in different things and how religion can impact history.
A Little Girl in Old Boston, by Amanda Minnie Douglas, begins in the early 1800s with the Leverett family awaiting their distant relative, ten year-old Doris from Europe.
“I do suppose she is a Papist! The French usually are,” said Aunt Priscilla, drawing her brows in a delicate sort of frown, and sipping her tea with a spoon that had the London crown mark, and had been buried early in revolutionary times.
“Why, there were all the Huguenots who emigrated from France for the sake of worshipping God in their own way rather than that of the Pope. We Puritans did not take all the free-will.” declared Betty spiritedly.
This is the French Huguenot Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The first French Huguenots arrived in Charleston in 1680. Located at 136 Church Street, this current building was built in 1845. It is still a vibrant, active Protestant church, holding services in French one time each year.
(Photo taken by Margaret J Grey)
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