Honoring Our Ancestors
The National Society Founders of Places of Worship in America was founded in August 2022. Members are hereditary lineal descendants of those men and women who were determined to worship in their own faith, style and manner, even if it meant leaving their domicile and starting their own place of worship. Our focus is to honor the legacy of our religious ancestors spanning the years 1607 to 1850. Religious freedom was a tenet held by those willing to make this sacrifice and travel to a new and strange land. Their courage, commitment and fortitude are cherished and celebrated.
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The Society is organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes with the object of promoting genealogical, educational, and historical research; and the preservation of history.
Seal
The official Seal of the Society is an open circle with five gold circles, representing the strength in unity and symbolizing the spirit and resolve of our ancestors of all faiths in the pursuit of religious freedom. The inner ring of navy blue and outer lozenge of forest green represents the earth and it’s bounties, both outlined in gold.
Insignia
The insignia of the Society shall be that of an eight-pointed open lozenge of forest green outlined in gold, with tri-circle finials in gold on each point. The center emblem of the lozenge shall have an open field, with five interlocking circles in gold. The field shall be encircled in a band of navy blue, outlined in gold, with the name of the organization, National Society Founders of Places of Worship in America. Any regular Life Member may wear the insignia of the Society.
Our Founders
The National Society of Founders of Places of Worship in America was founded by Karen Markey Janczy, Deanna Gorzynski Lutz, and Deborah W. Hicks.
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The Founding Officers
President General | Karen Markey Janczy |
First Vice President General | Anne Caussin Henninger |
Second Vice President General | Sumner Hunnewell |
Chaplain General | Barbara Greeley |
Treasurer General | Douglass Mather "Tim" Mabee |
Secretary General | Deanna Gorzynski Lutz |
Chancellor General | Deborah W. Hicks |
Registrar General | Laura Tonkin Allen |
Historian General | Beverly Markey Gentry |
Director | Nicki Birch |
Director | Michael P. Schenk |
Director | Sharyn Kelley "Shari" Worrell |