The
pin is 1 1/2 by 1 3/4 inches in size.
In
the center of the Shield there is a Huguenot Cross. It is
a Cross with 4 arms of equal length, but each arm becomes
broader as it leaves the center. The outer edge of each
arm is indented in the shape of a V. There are 2 points
at the end of each arm, 8 in all, representing the Beatitudes.
(Matthew 5:3-10). Between the arms of the cross are 4 Lilies,
the symbol of purity. The 3 open spaces between the arms
form 4 hearts around the Cross that are the reminder that
through Christ alone may kindred hearts be united in Love,
Fellowship and Universal Faith. A small appendage appears
on each heart emblematic of the tears of the persecuted
and suffering Huguenots. There is an appendage of a Dove,
the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Dove also symbolizes
the Huguenot’s dependence upon the Holy Spirit for
courage and strength to withstand their tribulations. During
the 16th Century, France had many Christian martyrs. Many
of these French Protestants, the Huguenots, fled their homeland
to find refuge. Those who remained were often put to death.
The Cross itself is Maltese, indicating an emphasis on Resurrection
and Eternal Life. The central symbolism of the Cross is
the Living Christ. The Cross is embedded in a circle with
the words: "Huguenot Society of Founders of Manakin
Virginia 1699" which is within a shield.
The outer side has wheat leaves, symbolic of Christ being
our Bread of Life. On the left upper flag there is a Fleur-de-lis,
symbolic of our French descendants, and the right flag has
the United States flag with 13 stars representing the first
13 colonies. At the top center there is a church, the old
wooden Manakin Huguenot Church, representing the Church
Of a Living Christ. The flag at the bottom of the Shield
has the inscription “Their Nobility--Our Heritage.”
These
pins were made to symbolize unity of The Manakin Huguenot
Society in carrying on our Christian heritage.
You
may order this pin for $15.00 including postage, by sending
a check to:
Marsha
Barnes, Oklahoma President
12008 NW 6th Street
Yukon, OK 73099
405-354-4302
