September 20: Massacre of French Huguenots (450th anniv.)

Today marks the 451st anniversary of the Massacre of French Huguenots at Fort Caroline on September 20, 1565. This representation of the event by Theodore de Brys (based on the work of French Huguenot painter, and survivor of the colony, Jacques le Moyne) shows the tragedy that occurred on the shores of Florida centuries ago. The Spanish commander had a plaque put up after he was finished with his bloody work explaining why he killed the colonists, which included men, women and children: “Not as Frenchmen, but as Lutherans [Protestants].”

One of those killed in the second phase of the massacre was Admiral Jean Ribault. His last words were to chant Psalm 132, changing the words slightly, “Lord remember the afflictions of your servant Jean. How he swore. . . not to give rest to his eyes, nor slumber to his eyelids, until he found a dwelling place for the mighty God of Jacob.”

May we remember the Huguenot sacrifice for Christ’s kingdom in America on this September day.

Today marks the 449th anniversary of the Massacre of French Huguenots at Fort Caroline on September 20, 1565. This representation of the event by Theodore de Brys (based on the work of French Huguenot painter, and survivor of the colony, Jacques le Moyne) shows the tragedy that occurred on the shores of Florida centuries ago. The Spanish commander had a plaque put up after he was finished with his bloody work explaining why he killed the colonists, which included men, women and children: "Not as Frenchmen, but as Lutherans [Protestants]."</p> <p>One of those killed in the second phase of the massacre was Admiral Jean Ribault. His last words were to chant Psalm 132, changing the words slightly, "Lord remember the afflictions of your servant Jean. How he swore. . . not to give rest to his eyes, nor slumber to his eyelids, until he found a dwelling place for the mighty God of Jacob." </p> <p>May we remember the Huguenot sacrifice for Christ's kingdom in America on this September day.

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