Reform Church and the Mohawk in New York

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Suggested Teaching Instructions

Title: Reform Church and the Mohawk in New York

 

Historical Background: 

There were numerous attempts for missionaries to convert the Mohawks among other Haudenosaunee groups to Christianity. It was common for missionaries to push for baptisms amongst Mohawk leaders, in order to better relations with the entire tribe and try to create a larger Christian community. Sometimes this was successful and sometimes there was violent pushback. The missionaries were thinking if the Mohawk leaders would become baptized, then the rest would follow. 

 

However, Mohawk leaders could either view these missionaries, and church leaders as major threats or as powerful partners. Sometimes Mohawk leaders could feel forced to convert and join a church in fear of attack or violence or even be forced to convert after a lost conflict. But in many of these situations, Mohawk leaders would join the church and hope to become powerful partners and work together. Oftentimes the joining of the church was more symbolic and not a major culture shift. 

 

This situation had a couple different points of view. 

 

European Missionaries - Try to get as many Mohawk leaders to be baptized as possible, in order to "European-ize" them. 

 

Mohawk leaders - Join out of fear, join out of a lost conflict, or willingly join to become strategic partners

 

Compelling Question: 

• Why would the Mohawk join a Christian Reformed Church?

 

Staging the Question: (Anticipatory Set/Bell Ringer/Hook)

Begin by asking students what the role of church was in colonial America (political, social, and economic). 

 

Standards/Skills: (Social Studies Framework Key Idea and Conceptual Understanding, Social Studies Practices, NextGen Literacy, CTS Thinking Skills)

 

Method of Delivery: 

Students will analyze the documents at the links attached and the description. They will then fill out the graphic organizer to explain why the Mohawk would join the First Reformed Church based on economic, social, and political incentives.

 

• Documents: 

  • Record of Mohawk Leaders joining First Reformed Church of Schenectady

  • Baptism Record of 1700

  • Christian Prayer Book translated into Mohawk Language

 

Summative Performance Task: (Assessment of Student Learning)

• Describe the relationship between the Mohawk and members of the Dutch Reformed Church.

 

Taking Informed Action: (Civic Engagement)

How could you find greater connections between yourself and your local community? What organizations could you join to improve your area?

 

Extension Activity: (Optional)

How does religion, private clubs, organizations or/and other membership impact your region or businesses in your community? Is it positive or negative? 

 

First Reformed Church

 

Analyze the sources at the links below. Then, read their description. Fill out the graphic organizer to explain why the Mohawk would join the First Reformed Church based on economic, social, and political incentives.

 

	Political	Economic	Social
Source 1 Record of Mohawk Leaders joining First Reformed Church of Schenectady
Source 2 Baptism Record of 1700
Source 3 Christian Prayer Book translated into Mohawk Language

 

• Why did the Mohawk join the First Reformed Church of Schenectady?