When Linda Romanowski joined the First Congregational Church in Clarkston about eight years ago, she found the connection for which she was searching. As a direct descendant of a Mayflower pilgrim, she and the church share a common heritage.
She has used her research into her ancestor, Edward Doten, an original signer of the Mayflower Compact, and his journey to stage a play at the church, which is a direct descendant of the pilgrim’s Puritan faith.
‘I think he would be extremely proud to know that his granddaughter of 11 generations after his death, worked to bring his dream and story to life on stage for all to learn of the struggles and adventures they endured together,? Romanowski said.
‘The original Pilgrims that left England to seek freedom from religious persecution are one and the same group of people who founded the true meaning of the Congregational Church we attend today.?
Romanowski spent much of the past year researching, writing, and organizing the play with her fellow church members.
‘One of the most important aspects about being a Congregationalist is being able to be free to spiritually express yourself without ridicule with your God given talents,? she said.
‘I’ve been empowered to educate others through this play, in understanding the reasons why the Pilgrims left England. I couldn’t just stop at one answer, I had to express on stage; how, when, where and with whom did this story enfold.?
The play, ‘Our Forefathers Story,? depicts events from the 1500s to the Mayflower trip in 1620 in three scenes. About 30 actors and actresses, youth and adults, wear period costumes and use props that are as historically authentic as possible.
‘History itself is interesting, but to learn that your ancestor had signed such an important historical document, been part of the Puritan movement, survived through the harshest of times, survived to old age and brought forth another generation to tell the stories,? Romanowski said.
‘This rewarding experience led me faithfully closer to the understanding of what it means to be a Congregationalist.?
The play will be presented at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at First Congregational Church at 5449 Clarkston Road. For more information, call 248-394-0200.