VirginiaHuguenot
Puritanboard Librarian
"Eleuthera" is the Greek word for freedom. It is also the name of an island in the Bahamas. In 1647, it became, according to some, the site of the first republic in the New World, a commonwealth founded by Puritans who left England for Bermuda and found the need for even more religious freedom in on the island which they named "Eleuthera." The Eleutheran Adventurers truly experienced many amazing adventures including a shipwreck. The island's first religious services were held at a site known as the "Preacher's Cave," which may still be seen today. Their constitution, the first in the New Word, is dated July 9, 1647, and is on display to the public. Through difficulties they were sustained by help from colonists in Virginia and their fellow Puritans in Massachusetts. Thus began the first independent Puritan commonwealth in America. A nearby island was named New Providence in thanksgiving to God for his abundant mercies upon the settlers.
http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bselin01.htm
http://www.jabezcorner.com/Grand_Bahama/1647_articles.htm
http://islands.thebahamian.com/eleuthera.html
http://www.seaviewcottage.com/eleuthera.htm
http://www.briland.com/topmenu/hist.html
http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bselin01.htm
http://www.jabezcorner.com/Grand_Bahama/1647_articles.htm
http://islands.thebahamian.com/eleuthera.html
http://www.seaviewcottage.com/eleuthera.htm
http://www.briland.com/topmenu/hist.html