Morgan Hill is known in many parts of the world for hospitality
and patriotism. No one does
“small town” Independence Day as well as Morgan Hill. I recall
when Hal Hendrickson first organized what was to become IDI, a
group of local citizens raising funds to “do it right!”
Morgan Hill is known in many parts of the world for hospitality and patriotism. No one does “small town” Independence Day as well as Morgan Hill. I recall when Hal Hendrickson first organized what was to become IDI, a group of local citizens raising funds to “do it right!”
In March of 1975 Morgan Hill hosted “The King’s Victory Celebration.” Over 200 college age young people from all over the west, stayed in 81 homes across Morgan Hill during Easter week. (Then) Mayor Virginia Days said it was the most significant week in our town’s history. The events were under the covering of 18 of the (then) 19 churches in town.
The group would meet for worship and teaching in a different church each morning. Ladies from churches too small to handle that large a group brought sack lunches to the larger churches. The Granada (then only theater in Morgan Hill or Gilroy) was normally dark on Tuesday and Wednesday. After the last ticket on Monday, the marquee read, “Jesus is Lord. Adore Him With Us, 7:30 Wednesday.” On “Spanish Emphasis Night” the largest sanctuary in town (Saint Catherine’s) was standing room only. The program opened with the Baptist youth choir. The entire program was in Spanish with English interpreters!
During each afternoon, the young guests, two by two, did a church membership survey of every home in Morgan Hill. The results were turned over to the sponsoring churches. That event earned Morgan Hill a permanent place in the hearts of over two hundred young folks who are now scattered across the world.
Hospitality is featured in another annual event involving Morgan Hill. For the past 20 years MH has hosted ACH Study Groups’ “American History and Government Study Seminars.” There are over a thousand alums now. Many of them keep returning and bringing their family and friends. Local homes serve as hosts to the seminar students from out of town.
These seminars seek, “To present principles of Biblical government (self-, family-, church-, and civil-government). To illustrate the hand of God in His-story. To understand the logic of good government.” When reviewing the news these days, who can deny these are incredibly significant goals!
True American history is often thought “too religious.” To be politically correct, it must be rewritten with righteous motivations and providential events subordinated, or ignored. The result is misleading and neutering of the wonderful heritage and sound principles that were the hallmarks of our founders.
Ours was a governmental system designed and ratified by the people who retained sovereignty over it. A mighty experiment in self-government. “I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people [excess taxation] under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson
How many today can show why the Pilgrims more than the Puritans were so honored in American History? Who knows today, that Separation of Powers, Representation, and Federalism were built into a single governmental structure for the first time in human history, here in America.
What about slavery? If the hand of God was in the founding of America, why was slavery also here? What is the providential view of the relationship between the settlers and the Indians. Why did our founders dislike “democracy?” By what authority do we say that God is interested in history and government? Is there a Biblical solution to “unsolvable problems?” What are the basic functions of government and at what level (individual, family, town, county, state, national) are they best performed?
These are a few of the subjects to be covered.
The curriculum focuses upon seven principles of government, “Individuality as opposed to collectivism, Self-government as opposed to manipulation, Quality Character as opposed to degradation, Private property as opposed to socialism, American Form as opposed to globalism, Local Authority as opposed to centralization, Liberty as opposed to social engineering.”
Three master teachers present each of these seven principles from his/her viewpoint, “Biblical, Historical, Governmental.” Fold in personal study assignments, rap sessions, rest and refreshment times and you have a full 9 to 9 schedule for four days back to back.
The material used by the faculty is that which inspired those who founded our nation.
Classes typically include seniors and teens, home school families, political activists and just plain history buffs. The dates this year is July, 20-23. For information call 408-782-7555.
