October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a hands-on educational experience, aimed at deepening their understanding of American history. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip was a living lesson in one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Departing early Friday at 6:00 a.m., the group visited key sites, including the exact spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address.
The field trip was more than just an excursion—it was designed to engage students in active learning. At the location where Lincoln gave his famous speech in 1863, the students were invited to recite the Gettysburg Address, an exercise meant to connect them with the emotional and historical weight of the moment. This act of recitation allowed students to walk in the footsteps of history, while bringing alive the principles of equality, liberty, and sacrifice that were at the heart of Lincoln’s brief but powerful address.
A Lesson in American Ideals
Delivered on November 19, 1863, just months after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is regarded as one of the most significant speeches in American history. Although it lasted only about two minutes, the address summarized the purpose of the war and redefined the struggle in terms of national unity and the principles upon which the country was founded. Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reminded the nation that the conflict was not just a battle for territory, but for the survival of democracy itself.
Hammontree and Rice used the occasion to discuss the battle’s pivotal role in shaping the course of the Civil War. They highlighted how the battle, which took place over three days from July 1-3, 1863, resulted in a decisive Union victory that shifted the war’s momentum. The site of the battle, with its memorials and carefully preserved landscapes, remains a place of reflection and learning, reminding students of the cost of war and the enduring nature of the American democratic experiment.
“The Gettysburg Address wasn’t just a speech about the past; it was a vision for the future,” Hammontree said. “By having our students recite it where Lincoln stood, we wanted them to feel the weight of those words and understand that the fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing struggle.”
A Visit to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery
Following their time at the site of the address, the group explored the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the first national cemetery in the United States, which was established to bury Union soldiers who died in the battle. Surrounded by monuments, gravestones, and memorials, the cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by thousands of soldiers during one of the Civil War’s most crucial confrontations.
Hammontree and Rice led discussions on the significance of the cemetery, both as a place of rest for the fallen and as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving the Union. Lincoln’s address, they explained, was part of the dedication ceremony for the cemetery, forever linking the address with the landscape of Gettysburg.
“Standing in the cemetery, it becomes clear that the war wasn’t just about North vs. South—it was about ensuring that the values of democracy and freedom could survive,” said Rice. “This is a place where history feels alive, where the past speaks to the present in a powerful way.”
A Lasting Impact on Students
The field trip to Gettysburg is expected to have a lasting educational impact on Genesis Christian Academy students. Many of the students shared how the experience of walking through history changed the way they viewed the Civil War and Lincoln’s legacy. Some students were particularly moved by standing at the site where Lincoln delivered his speech, calling it “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”
“The field trip gave us a chance to experience history in a way that textbooks just can’t,” said one student. “It was incredible to think that we were standing where President Lincoln once stood and to imagine what it must have been like.”
As the day ended and the group boarded their buses back home, the consensus was clear: the field trip had not only expanded their historical knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the principles that continue to shape the nation.
For Genesis Christian Academy, this trip to Gettysburg was more than just an educational outing; it was an opportunity to instill a sense of history, patriotism, and civic responsibility in their students. By exploring one of the most hallowed grounds in American history, the students were reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring significance of the ideals upon which the United States was founded.
This hands-on approach to learning underscores the Academy’s commitment to providing immersive educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. The trip will undoubtedly resonate with students for years to come.
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a captivating educational trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they delved into one of the most pivotal moments in American history. This immersive experience was designed to offer a tangible connection to the lessons learned in the classroom. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and local historian Tyler Rice, the group departed early on Friday morning, eager to walk the grounds where the fate of the nation once hung in the balance.
The trip’s centerpiece was an in-depth exploration of Pickett’s Charge, a bold yet devastating Confederate assault during the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place on July 3, 1863. This event, regarded as a turning point in the Civil War, served as the focus of the group’s historical investigation.
A Closer Look at Pickett’s Charge
“Pickett’s Charge was the culmination of the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Genesis Christian Academy history teacher Kenneth Hammontree. “It involved the advance of approximately 15,000 Confederate soldiers across nearly a mile of open ground toward 6,500 entrenched Union troops positioned along Cemetery Ridge. This ill-fated assault resulted in over 6,000 Confederate casualties and marked the end of Lee’s second and final invasion of the North. It was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.”
Hammontree elaborated on the strategic significance of the charge, explaining that Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered the attack believing that Union General George Meade had weakened his center to reinforce his flanks. Lee hoped this perceived vulnerability would allow his forces to break through the Union defenses. However, General James Longstreet, the commander of the Confederate corps under which the charge was ordered, famously expressed his doubts, warning Lee, “No 15,000 men who ever lived could ever take that position.”
The assault was preceded by a massive artillery barrage, the largest of its kind on the North American continent, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on July 3, 1863. Some 150 Confederate cannons unleashed their fury on the Union lines, hoping to weaken them before the infantry advanced. In response, around 75 Union cannons returned fire. However, as Hammontree pointed out, most of the Confederate shells overshot their targets, causing minimal damage and leaving the Union forces relatively unscathed.
When the shelling subsided, Confederate soldiers advanced in a line over a mile and a half long. They faced treacherous terrain, broken by fences that disrupted their ranks, and relentless fire from Union cannons and rifles. The bloodshed was catastrophic. As the Confederate soldiers struggled to reach the Union lines, they were met with deadly resistance. Despite some Confederate brigades reaching the Union position at the stone wall, the few who penetrated the line were quickly overwhelmed by a Union counterattack. Among them was General Lewis Armistead, who led the charge over the stone wall before falling mortally wounded in the thick of battle.
The tragic outcome of Pickett’s Charge was a sobering moment for the Confederate army. Over 4,900 Southern soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured in the assault. The Union victory at Gettysburg, combined with the fall of Vicksburg the next day, marked a decisive shift in the Civil War. As Hammontree reflected, “This moment would later become known as the ‘High Tide of the Confederacy’—the point at which the Southern cause was at its peak, but from which it would only decline.”
Bringing History to Life
Tyler Rice, the historian accompanying the group, emphasized the importance of field trips like this in making history come alive for students. “Walking the very ground where these monumental events took place allows students to understand the human experience behind the facts and figures. They can appreciate the bravery, the tragedy, and the complexities of the Civil War in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.”
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, this field trip to Gettysburg offered a rare opportunity to connect with the past. As they stood on Cemetery Ridge, looking out over the fields that witnessed the charge, they were not just learning history—they were experiencing it.
This educational journey is one the students and staff will remember for years to come, deepening their understanding of a crucial chapter in American history and the sacrifices made by those who fought on both sides.
Historic Journey Through Gettysburg Battlefields: Little Round Top and Devil’s Den
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students took a step back in time on their educational field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they immersed themselves in the history of the famous 1863 battle that became a turning point in the American Civil War. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and Civil War historian Tyler Rice, the trip offered the 38 students, parents, and staff a chance to explore the grounds of the pivotal three-day conflict that shaped the nation’s history.
The educational experience centered around the key events of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. As the group roamed the battlefield, historian Tyler Rice gave vivid recountings of the engagements, focusing particularly on two iconic sites—Little Round Top and Devil’s Den.
Bravery at Little Round Top
Standing on the historic Little Round Top, Rice transported the students back to July 2, 1863, a critical moment in the Union’s defense. “Little Round Top was more than just a rocky hill,” Rice explained. “It was the key to holding the Union’s left flank. Losing it would have meant disaster for the Union Army.” He then recounted the fierce fighting between the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union forces under General George Meade.
Rice highlighted the heroism of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Regiment. Vastly outnumbered and facing relentless assaults, Chamberlain’s forces clung to the high ground. When ammunition ran low and the Confederates threatened to break through, Chamberlain made a daring decision: he ordered a bayonet charge down the hill, which caught the Confederates off guard and forced them to retreat. “That charge saved the Union line,” Rice told the group, “and helped secure victory at Gettysburg.”
Little Round Top, with its steep and rocky terrain, became a symbol of tenacity and military brilliance, serving as a key highlight in the students’ understanding of the battle. Today, the site is preserved within Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can still walk the rugged trails and stand where soldiers fought with everything they had.
The Bloody Fight at Devil’s Den
From Little Round Top, the group moved on to another dramatic site of the battle—Devil’s Den. The large boulders and rocky formations that characterize this area made it an ideal stronghold during the fighting. On July 2, it became the site of chaotic, bloody combat, with both Union and Confederate soldiers locked in close-quarters battle.
Rice explained how the Union’s Fifth Corps tried to defend Devil’s Den from Confederate forces eager to break through the Union’s defenses. “The boulders made for excellent cover, but they also created confusion,” Rice shared, explaining how the rocky terrain turned the area into a deadly maze of ambushes and attacks. “Soldiers were disoriented, and the fighting was brutal.”
Both the Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy casualties in the fighting for Devil’s Den, which became one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire battle. The strategic importance of this position, coupled with the fierce combat, left a lasting legacy that students learned about firsthand as they stood among the boulders.
Bringing History to Life
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, the trip to Gettysburg was more than just a history lesson—it was an opportunity to experience the events of the Civil War in a tangible way. As they walked the battlefield, Rice and Hammontree guided them through not just the strategies and outcomes of the conflict, but the human stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
“Being here, seeing these places with my own eyes, makes it all so much more real,” said one student. “You can really feel the weight of what happened here.”
The trip offered a unique blend of education and reflection, leaving the students with a deep appreciation for the events that unfolded at Gettysburg and the broader implications of the Civil War. The visit to Gettysburg not only deepened their understanding of American history but also highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices that shaped the nation’s future.
The Strange Stories of the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863: A Field Trip Discovery
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students embarked on a journey into history during a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, exploring not just the well-known strategies and outcomes of the battle, but also the lesser-known, human stories of love and tragedy. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip focused on the three-day conflict of July 1863, which forever changed the course of the American Civil War.
The trip served to bring history to life for the 38 students, parents, and staff members in attendance. As they walked the same grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed, Hammontree began sharing a particularly poignant tale from the battle: the story of Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Jennie Wade: A Tragic Casualty of War
As Hammontree described, Jennie Wade’s story is a deeply human one, marked by both her untimely death and her unwavering bravery in the face of unimaginable danger. Wade, a 20-year-old woman, found herself in the middle of one of the most brutal engagements of the Civil War, not as a soldier but as a civilian trying to help others. On July 3, 1863, while kneading dough in her sister’s home, Wade was struck down by a stray Confederate bullet, becoming the only civilian casualty of the battle.
Despite the chaos surrounding her, Jennie had chosen to assist Union soldiers rather than hide in the cellar like many other civilians. She brought food and water to wounded soldiers, providing much-needed comfort amidst the horrors of battle. “Her courage is remembered, and her story resonates even today,” Hammontree told the group of students, some of whom were hearing this tragic tale for the first time.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Wade’s death was the discovery that she was carrying a photograph of her childhood sweetheart, Corporal Jack Skelly, a Union soldier who had been gravely wounded in an earlier battle. Their love story, cut short by war, is still shrouded in a degree of mystery and sorrow.
A Love Lost to War: Jack Skelly and Jennie Wade
Jack Skelly was wounded at the Battle of Carter’s Woods in June 1863, just days before the Battle of Gettysburg. While recovering in a Confederate hospital, Skelly encountered a strange twist of fate—his childhood friend, Wesley Culp, who had joined the Confederate army, was also at the same hospital. Culp had grown up in Gettysburg, like Skelly, but he fought for the South after moving to Virginia before the war. The odds of the two friends meeting in such a situation were incredibly slim.
Skelly, too injured to write, asked Culp to deliver a message to Jennie Wade, back home in Gettysburg. According to Hammontree, the message included a marriage proposal, though some historians debate whether Skelly and Wade were ever officially engaged. “It’s difficult to definitively know the truth after so many years,” Hammontree explained, “but Jennie’s sister, Georgia McClellan, believed they intended to marry in the fall of 1863.”
Unfortunately, neither Jennie nor Jack would live to see that day. Wade was killed in her sister’s home on July 3, 1863, while Skelly, unaware of her death, succumbed to his injuries just nine days later, on July 12. The letter Culp had carried, containing Jack’s proposal to Jennie, never made it to her. Wesley Culp himself died during the Battle of Gettysburg, on the very land where he grew up, and the letter was lost forever when he was buried in an unmarked grave.
The Unpredictability of War
The series of tragic events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg highlights the strange twists of fate that occur during war. Wesley Culp’s choice to fight for the Confederacy, despite being from a Union state, is a story in itself. His chance encounter with Jack Skelly in a Confederate hospital, and his subsequent death just days later, adds another layer of heartbreak. “It’s a story of love, loss, and the unpredictability of war,” Hammontree said, his voice somber as he recounted the series of events that unfolded over the summer of 1863.
For the Genesis Christian Academy students, these personal stories brought the realities of war into sharp focus. As they stood on the same grounds where Wade, Skelly, and Culp had lived out their final days, the weight of history was profound. Hammontree remarked on the emotional impact of these tales. “We often focus on the battles and strategies, but it’s the human stories that make history truly resonate,” he said.
The students left Gettysburg with a new understanding of how war shapes not only nations but also individual lives. As Hammontree concluded his lesson, he announced that this was only the beginning of their exploration into the lesser-known, human stories of the Civil War. “In the next article,” he promised, “we’ll continue to uncover more of the strange and heart-wrenching stories that surround the Battle of Gettysburg.”
For many students, the trip was a deeply emotional experience, giving them a chance to connect with history in a way that textbooks often fail to do. The tragedy of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, interwoven with the strange fate of Wesley Culp, serves as a reminder of the cost of war—and the personal sacrifices made by those caught in its path.
The Ongoing Legacy
Gettysburg remains one of the most iconic battlefields in American history, but beyond the tactical and political significance, the stories of those who lived and died there are what continue to captivate and teach new generations. Genesis Christian Academy’s field trip brought to light these hidden narratives, offering students a chance to reflect on the personal dimensions of war.
As the group departed Gettysburg, the lessons they learned—about courage, love, and the unpredictable nature of fate—would stay with them long after they returned to the classroom. The strange stories of Gettysburg, like that of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, show that even in the darkest times, the human spirit endures.
Genesis Christian Academy Explores Gettysburg’s History on Educational Field Trip
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy embarked on an immersive historical journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a field trip designed to bring history to life. The group, led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, departed from the school at 6:00 a.m. on Friday to explore the battle that became a turning point in the Civil War.
The trip began in the early hours, with the students shaking off sleep and passing the six-hour bus ride by singing along to songs, including those by pop icon Taylor Swift. Their destination: the historic battleground where, over the course of three days in July 1863, the fate of the nation was forever changed.
Upon arriving in Gettysburg, the group enjoyed a boxed lunch at the Gettysburg Museum before checking into their hotel. Later that evening, they received a quick introduction to the key historical landmarks before gathering for a casual pizza dinner. To end their first day, they strolled through the streets of Gettysburg, soaking in the atmosphere before turning in for the night.
The second day began bright and early. After breakfast, the group set off to explore the sites in depth, beginning with a visit to the Jenny Wade House, where Hammontree recounted the tragic story of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. They stood before the very door that bears the bullet hole from the shot that ended her life. A visit to Wade’s grave followed, where Tyler Rice provided context on the nearby Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln just months after the battle.
One of the highlights of the day was the group’s experience at the Gettysburg Cyclorama, an enormous 360-degree painting created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux in 1884. The artwork vividly captures the drama of Pickett’s Charge, the climactic final assault of the battle.
At 3:45 p.m., the students retraced the steps of Confederate General George Pickett’s soldiers, walking the same open field where the infamous charge took place, bringing a new level of understanding to the battle’s intensity and the soldiers’ bravery.
On the final day of their trip, after a morning service at the cemetery, the group reflected on the trip’s powerful lessons before beginning the journey back to Ohio.
This field trip to Gettysburg offered Genesis Christian Academy students a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand, deepening their connection to the Civil War and its pivotal impact on American history.
It was a day filled with laughter, competition, and just a splash of paint as Genesis Christian Academy took to the woods where its grounds were turned into a vibrant battlefield for their Fall Party/Back to School Party on October 5th! Hosted by the ever-gracious Mr. Keim, the event boasted an action-packed schedule featuring paintball, volleyball, trampoline fun, and a cozy bonfire cookout.
The festivities kicked off at 4 PM, where students quickly gathered to gear up for the main event: paintball! The wooded area was a site to behold being converted into an exhilarating arena where young warriors assembled their teams, armed with paintball guns and plenty of competitive spirit. As students boasted about their sharpshooting skills, the air buzzed with excitement and a bit of friendly trash talk.
With a loud whistle, chaos erupted! Paintballs whizzed through the air like colorful confetti as teams engaged in a fierce battle. This daring reporter bravely ventured onto the battlefield—only to be struck not once, but twice in the initial skirmish!
Among the players was none other than Ken Hammontree, the school’s history teacher, who took on the role of the sniper. Ken set up a fortified position, but alas, his strategy was soon foiled by an aggressive opposing team. Caught in a hailstorm of paintballs, Ken made a valiant retreat, but not before becoming the last man standing for the red team, enduring a relentless barrage of colorful fire.
Next up was the thrilling capture-the-flag game, where both teams unleashed their competitive spirits. Heavy fire rained down, but the green team emerged victorious, much to the dismay of the red team. But don’t worry, the red team quickly demanded a rematch! Once again, the green team’s strategy proved too much, securing their spot as the champions of the paintball arena.
After the dust (and paint) settled, it was time for some much-needed fuel! Attendees enjoyed a delicious cookout, followed by games of volleyball and trampoline bouncing that kept the energy levels high. As night fell, everyone gathered around the bonfire to roast marshmallows and share stories, capping off an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and fun.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues at Genesis Christian Academy with the highly anticipated three-day Gettysburg field trip later this month. Students will walk the hallowed grounds of history, learning from two esteemed historians.
It’s safe to say that the spirit of adventure is alive and well at GCA!
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: whether in paintball battles or on the battlefield of history, these students are all about making memories!
If you are interested in your children attending Genesis Christian Academy on 810 Katherine Ave, stop by or call (419) 567-8076
Mount Vernon, Ohio – History came alive at the historic Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon, Ohio, as renowned historian Ken Hammontree embodied the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in “Mozart the Genius.” Joined by his student, Anna Smith from Genesis Christian Academy, the duo delighted audiences with a captivating portrayal of the musical maestro.
From the moment the performance began, Hammontree’s portrayal of Mozart captivated the audience, bringing to life the genius and eccentricity of the iconic composer. With his trademark quirky laugh and references to his “noodle,” Hammontree skillfully depicted Mozart’s playful personality, transporting viewers back in time to experience the essence of the musical prodigy.
Mozart’s remarkable musical talent was evident from a young age, as highlighted during the performance. Playing the keyboard at three and composing minuets at five, Mozart’s early achievements set the stage for a prolific career. By age twelve, he had completed his first opera, showcasing his extraordinary abilities and earning him the moniker “loved of God” with his middle name.
Central to the performance was Mozart’s Sonata in C Major, composed just three years before his untimely death. The piece, written for one of Mozart’s pupils, exemplifies the composer’s mastery of melody and balance, embodying the elegance of the Viennese classical period.
Despite his musical brilliance, Mozart’s life was marked by financial struggles and personal challenges. His penchant for spending led to financial woes, compounded by the failure of his concert promotions. However, his legacy endures through over 600 works, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and sonatas.
Tragically, Mozart’s life was cut short by rheumatic fever at the age of 35. He was laid to rest in a common grave, a stark contrast to the grandeur of his musical legacy.
The living history program provided audiences with a unique opportunity to witness Mozart at work, mentoring a promising young musician from Genesis Christian Academy. By incorporating a student into the performance, the program offered a more immersive and realistic portrayal of Mozart’s life and influence.
Throughout the 50-minute program, Mozart shared insights into his life and music, offering a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius. As the audience laughed and applauded, “Mozart the Genius” proved to be an unforgettable journey into the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest composers.
Imagine stepping back in time and witnessing a pivotal moment in history firsthand. That’s exactly what students at Genesis Christian Academy in Ashland, Ohio had the opportunity to do when Kenneth Hammontree, a history teacher at the academy, portrayed General George Washington and Mrs. Washington portrayed by Raylene Hlavaty share how Divine Providence saved the American Revolution, in “Crossing the Delaware River.”
How Divine Providence saved the American Revolution
Six months after the Declaration of Independence was brought before the world, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had destroyed 90 percent of Washington’s army. What was left was driven across the New Jersey lands and the Delaware River. Panic and despair began to spread through the thirteen colonies. Washington realized that his options were all but gone and the American Revolution would be over by the new year of 1777.
The British and their mercenary allies the Germans had spread their troops across New Jersey in a series of garrisons for the winter which angered the area farmers and the local towns people. Together they rose up against the garrisons and began to harass them. Washington saw his opportunity to do something in saving his small army and the revolution. Having learned of General Howe’s chain of military garrisons after December 13, Washington was encouraged to strike one of them, finally settling on Trenton.
Washington came up with an insane plan that even his officers considered a suicidal mission. His small army of under 5,000 men, and boys (some as young as 14) would cross the wide Delaware river on Christmas day evening and march eight miles in a surprise attack the next morning on December 26, destroying the German/British troops stationed in Trenton. It was indeed a desperate gamble involving a momentous risk, and it failed all would be over for the American Revolution. Washington’s first concern was to protect the secrecy of the operation and gave it the code name “Victory or Death”. Not even his troops were aware when they lined up along the Delaware River where they were heading.
Cold, wet and miserable, the army landed on a frozen patch of New Jersey pasture land and regrouped. Nobody would have any trouble tracking the path of the Americans because of the blood from many of their feet left a clear trail in the fresh fallen snow. The attack on Trenton began at 0800 hours on December 26, 1776, and in less than two hours Washington’s small rag-tag army won a major victory and saved the American Revolution. The victory ranks as one of the great military feats of all time. Frederick the Great of Prussia call the crossing and the attack “the most brilliant in the world’s military history.” It was truly a Divine miracle and a Christmas to remember.
Raylene Hlavaty who also portrayed other women in history like Margaret J. Preston, Fanny Crosby, Abigail Adams, Jennie Wade, and Beatrix Potter. Raylene’s dedication to bringing history to life for the students at Genesis Christian Academy is truly remarkable. https://www.timelessvoicesohio.com/
In conclusion, witnessing history at Genesis Christian Academy is an experience like no other. Through immersive reenactments and passionate portrayals by a dedicated teacher like Kenneth Hammontree and historian like Raylene Hlavaty, students have the opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our nation. By bringing history to life in such a unique and engaging way, Genesis Christian Academy is truly making a difference in the education of its students.
Imagine stepping back in time and witnessing a pivotal moment in history firsthand. That’s exactly what students at Genesis Christian Academy in Ashland, Ohio had the opportunity to do when Kenneth Hammontree, a history teacher at the academy, portrayed General George Washington and Mrs. Washington portrayed by Raylene Hlavaty share how Divine Providence saved the American Revolution, in “Crossing the Delaware River.”
How Divine Providence saved the American Revolution
Six months after the Declaration of Independence was brought before the world, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had destroyed 90 percent of Washington’s army. What was left was driven across the New Jersey lands and the Delaware River. Panic and despair began to spread through the thirteen colonies. Washington realized that his options were all but gone and the American Revolution would be over by the new year of 1777.
The British and their mercenary allies the Germans had spread their troops across New Jersey in a series of garrisons for the winter which angered the area farmers and the local towns people. Together they rose up against the garrisons and began to harass them. Washington saw his opportunity to do something in saving his small army and the revolution. Having learned of General Howe’s chain of military garrisons after December 13, Washington was encouraged to strike one of them, finally settling on Trenton.
Washington came up with an insane plan that even his officers considered a suicidal mission. His small army of under 5,000 men, and boys (some as young as 14) would cross the wide Delaware river on Christmas day evening and march eight miles in a surprise attack the next morning on December 26, destroying the German/British troops stationed in Trenton. It was indeed a desperate gamble involving a momentous risk, and it failed all would be over for the American Revolution. Washington’s first concern was to protect the secrecy of the operation and gave it the code name “Victory or Death”. Not even his troops were aware when they lined up along the Delaware River where they were heading.
Cold, wet and miserable, the army landed on a frozen patch of New Jersey pasture land and regrouped. Nobody would have any trouble tracking the path of the Americans because of the blood from many of their feet left a clear trail in the fresh fallen snow. The attack on Trenton began at 0800 hours on December 26, 1776, and in less than two hours Washington’s small rag-tag army won a major victory and saved the American Revolution. The victory ranks as one of the great military feats of all time. Frederick the Great of Prussia call the crossing and the attack “the most brilliant in the world’s military history.” It was truly a Divine miracle and a Christmas to remember.
Raylene Hlavaty who also portrayed other women in history like Margaret J. Preston, Fanny Crosby, Abigail Adams, Jennie Wade, and Beatrix Potter. Raylene’s dedication to bringing history to life for the students at Genesis Christian Academy is truly remarkable. https://www.timelessvoicesohio.com/
In conclusion, witnessing history at Genesis Christian Academy is an experience like no other. Through immersive reenactments and passionate portrayals by a dedicated teacher like Kenneth Hammontree and historian like Raylene Hlavaty, students have the opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our nation. By bringing history to life in such a unique and engaging way, Genesis Christian Academy is truly making a difference in the education of its students.
Imagine stepping back in time and witnessing a pivotal moment in history firsthand. That’s exactly what students at Genesis Christian Academy in Ashland, Ohio had the opportunity to do when Kenneth Hammontree, a history teacher at the academy, portrayed Martin Luther and the Reformation on October 31, 1517. This immersive experience allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable events and a day in history.
Martin Luther: The Key Figure of the Protestant Revolution
Whatever opinion one holds regarding the value of Luther’s reformatory work, he is by common consent the key figure in the Protestant Revolution that changed the course of the church and all of Europe. On October 31, 1517, there was only one Protestant – Martin Luther. A few years later, there were millions. The violent explosion known as the Reformation split the church of the 16th century into a number of segments, of which the Lutheran Church is one.
The Start of the Reformation: Luther’s 95 Theses
The Reformation began on the eve of All Souls’ Day, October 31, 1517. On that day, Martin Luther, professor of Biblical studies at the newly founded University of Wittenberg in Germany, announced a disputation on indulgences. He stated his argument in 95 Theses. Though they were heavily academic and moderate in tone, news of them spread like wildfire throughout Europe. All marveled that one obscure Augustinian Monk, a Black Friar of the Augustinian Hermits to be exact, from an unknown university had stirred the whole of Europe.
Luther’s Stand Against the Roman Catholic Church
Luther saw that the trade in indulgences was wholly unwarranted by Holy Scripture, reason, or tradition. His contemporaries knew at once that Luther had touched the exposed nerve of the Roman Catholic Church. Christian Europe was never the same again. Luther was excommunicated by the Pope in 1520 and finally outlawed by the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521. Luther’s dramatic stand against both the Pope and Emperor fired the imagination of all Europe.
The Birth of the Protestant Movement
In 1529, at the Diet of Speyer, the Emperor Charles V attempted to stop Luther’s movement by force. However, some of the princes of the various German states stood up in ‘protest’. The movement, which intended to reform Catholicism from within, separated and became known as the Protestant movement. However, in the end, Luther’s movement split the Christian Church in Europe.
The Life and Journey of Martin Luther
Martin Luther, the great German Reformer, was born in Eisleben as the son of a peasant and studied law at the University of Erfurt. In 1505, he joined the Augustinian Hermits in Erfurt, and after taking a dramatic vow during a terrible thunderstorm experienced a sudden conversion. Luther was ordained in 1507 and after studying theology and law, he was sent to the University of Wittenberg. There, he soon became a Biblical Bachelor and Sententiary in 1509, and later, a Doctor of Theology.
Luther’s Opposition to Indulgences
During a visit to Rome, Luther became acquainted with the heathenish life of the Roman Curia. Luxury and license were everywhere as he realized, as never before, the uses that were being made of the vast sums of money extorted each year from the German people and Church. The Elector and Archbishop Albert of Mainz had made an arrangement with Leo X to raise a large sum of money by the sale of indulgences. Luther’s main thrust at first was not to break away from the mother church but to eliminate indulgences and corrupt preachers such as Tetzel.
Luther’s Stand for a Translated Bible
In 1518, Luther’s 95 Theses were condemned by the Pope and Luther was summoned to Rome. Luther refused to recant on all issues unless his ideas could be refuted on scriptural grounds. For his own safety, he was seized and taken to the Wartburg Castle under the protection of Frederick of Saxony. There, in the castle, he devoted his energies to translating the New Testament into German so that the Bible might be read by all. Luther opened up a new world for the average person to read and understand the Bible in their language, German. He affirmed the final authority of a self-interpreted Bible and rejected non-scriptural beliefs held by the Church.
In conclusion, the portrayal of Martin Luther and the Reformation on October 31, 1517, performed by Kenneth Hammontree at Genesis Christian Academy in Ashland, Ohio, provided students with a unique opportunity to witness a significant moment in history. Luther’s role as the key figure in the Protestant Revolution and his stand against the Roman Catholic Church shaped the course of Christianity and European society. Through his translations of the Bible, Luther empowered the common man to read and understand scripture, challenging the authority of the Church. These events continue to have a profound impact on religious and cultural practices to this day.
Joe Lyons •
October 24, 2024
