John Howland (1599 – 1673) was born in Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, England. At the age of twenty-one, he was employed by John Carver and shortly thereafter made the 66 day trip to America aboard the Mayflower. As many will recall, Rowland was the one who ventured above deck amidst a horrific storm,  that lasted well nigh 2 weeks. Peeking aboved the rancid room below, the boat, which was riding up a large wave, came crashing down leaving pour John in midair and within moments the raging ocean. Despite evident disobedience, the Providential hand of God was upon him and a trailing topsail halyard from the boat came fluttering by to which John quickly grasped.

John Rowland was one of 41 men to sign the Mayflower Compact. Sadly, the original copy of this document was lost and the sole reason those fundamental words were not loast is due to the journal of William Bradford (never underestimate the powerful potential of journaling). After the establishment of the new government, John went ashore with a small group of men to explore the shores of Cape Cod.

Through what can only be attributed to diligence and dependability, Howland rose to a position of great respect and responsibility in Plymouth. He was called upon to be assistant to the Governor, served as a member of many Plymouth committees, was placed in charge of the Colony’s fur trading post at Kennebec, Maine, and was an influential member of the Plymouth Church. Seeing a need to owe no man anything and to be free from future problems, the pilgrims asked Howland for assistance in buying out the businessmen who had bankrolled the settlement of Plymouth. Howland was a ready, willing vessel through whom God was able to work powerfully.

In 1624, John (age 25), described as a ‘plain good-hearted Christian,’ married 17 year old Elizabeth Tilley. They went on to raise 10 children  (4 sons & 6 daughters) through adulthood. Rowland understood the responsilibity of passing on the baton to the next generation. This is seen in the positions of leadership that his sons took in Plymouth. 400 years later, the influence of Rowland continues to affect the United States through his direct decendents: President George Bush, George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Jeb Bush, and many more. He also assisted his brothers (namely Henry & Arthur Howland) in coming to New England. Their direct decendants include Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Winston Churchhill.

Howland died on February 23rd, 1673, and was “with honour interred”. This was given only to the leaders of the Colony, and meant that a squad of soldiers fired a volley over his grave. He is described in the records as a “godly man and an ardent professor in the ways of Christ.”

Was he perfect? By no means. However, herein was one who chose to follow the principles and paths of Christ. In 1620, 41 Pilgrims willingly climbed aboard the Mayflower, leaving left behind fortune, fame, and comfort to insulate themselves and posterity unto the increase of Jesus Christ.

We have a similar decision before us. The world we live in continues to embrace evil. I do not believe God is calling us to physically leave our wicked culture, but rather to willing climb aboard the Mayflower of separation and to prepare to be leaders and possibly martyrs. Let us not see how close we can come to the world but chose rather to be Godly and ardent professors in the ways of Christ. God has called us to be different. We are pilgrims on a heavenbound journey. And remember, you may be an influential John Rowland or a seemingly insignificant John Tilley, but both were used by God to impact our culture because of faithfulness.

See this article and more in Project: Remember.

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