Ten Commandment Hike

“A Kaleidoscope of Tolerance”

By Robert Manoil
Ten Commandment Hike Chair 2004

The day before it was raining, blustery, cold, and a time of plenty after the many Thanksgiving feasts were enjoyed by many.  Friday after Thanksgiving was made for hiking with the temperatures in the mid fifties, sun shining, and no wind.  This was the day set for the Burlington County Council, Boy Scouts of America “Second Annual Ten Commandment Hike” for all ages of Scouts (BSA and GSA) and their families.

The Second Annual Ten Commandment Hike took place in the historic town of Mount Holly, New Jersey, not far from the city of Philadelphia.  Mount Holly was originally known as Northampton Township.  Later it was changed to Bridgetown and lastly to Mount Holly.  The town had an important role in the War for Independence, as the scene of an important skirmish— the battle of Iron Works Hill in 1776.  That short battle delayed the British’s Hessian troops and enabled Washington to capture Trenton on Christmas Day, 1776.  The New Jersey Legislature also met here in 1779 when Trenton was threatened by British troops and Mount Holly became the temporary State Capitol.

The hike commemorates the twelfth point of the scout law, “A Scout is Reverent.”  It’s a unique and exciting way to embrace the concept of religious tolerance, learn local history, participate in community service, and have fun.  Also, it is a good way to work off that Thanksgiving dinner.  Each participant was urged to bring canned goods for the Food Bank.  This entire program was accepted and fully supported by the Rancocas Valley Clergy Association which serves the religious needs of Mount Holly and surrounding townships.

The day commenced with a Proclamation read, signed, and presented by Mount Holly’s Mayor Joan Boas.  The Proclamation states that the Mount Holly Township Council recognized and honored the unique and exciting “Ten Commandment Hike” sponsored by the Burlington County Council, Boy Scouts of America and that Mount Holly considered it to be an honor and privilege to be selected as the hosting Township for 2004 of this annual community event. Outside during the entire day traffic control was handled by the Bike Patrol of the Mount Holly Police Department.  This appreciated service facilitated the smooth movement of the group to each house of worship.  Also of background importance was the support by the order of the Arrow (scouting’s service organization) in providing for the smooth transition from one place to another and ensuring that every place was spotlessly clean after each departure.  Refreshments were contributed by McDonald’s, Shop Rite and Dunkin Donuts – truly enjoyed by all participants. . A big thanks to all the adult volunteers.

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church was established in 1742 and received its Royal Charter from King George III in 1765.  The day ended at 4 pm with the Tenth Commandment at the Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church was started in 1826 and is the oldest African-Methodist Episcopal church in the area.  The church was erected in its present location in 1863.

The morning also included commandments at Temple Har Zion, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, the First Presbyterian Church and ended with a commandment presented by Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church.  The afternoon included commandments at the First United Methodist Church and the Mount Holly Society of Friends Meeting House.

The Friends Meeting House was constructed in 1775.  More than half of New Jersey’s early settlers were Quakers.  Monthly Friends Meetings for Mount Holly and vicinity began in 1704.  The British’s Hessian Troops used the meeting House as a Commissary in 1778 and the butcher’s cleaver marks are still visible on some of the benches. The over 130 participants had the opportunity to learn a little about their friends religion and foster an understanding of some of the differences as well as the many similarities.  As the Scout Oath states, “On my honor, I will due my best to do my duty to God and my country, obey the scout law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

First Commandment - “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God.”  Presented at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church (121 High St.) by Father Fred Krause.

Second Commandment - “You shall have no other Gods except Me.”  Presented at Temple Har Zion (High & Ridgeway Sts.) by Rabbi Richard Simon.  Rabbi Simon was presented with a Ten Commandment Hike Patch by A. J. Kreimer, Acting Chair, Interfaith Committee and the 2005 Council President.

Third Commandment - “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.”  Presented at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church (260 High St.) by Reverend David Adams.  Tom McCarthy, Chair Burlington County Council Catholic Committee introduced Father David Adams.

Fourth Commandment -“Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy.”  Presented at the First Presbyterian Church (125 Garden St.) by Reverend Larry Miller.  Robert Manoil introduced Reverend Miller.

Fifth Commandment -“Honor your Father and your Mother.”  Presented at First Presbyterian Church Extension (35 Garden St.) by Reverend David Stoner (Associate Pastor at Hainsport’s Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church) .

Sixth Commandment - “You shall not murder.”  Presented at First United Methodist Church (25 Brainerd St.) by Reverend Sondra Rafferty.  Reverend Rafferty is also president of the Rancocas Valley Clergy Association.

Seventh Commandment - "You shall not commit adultery."  Presented at Mount Holly Society of Friends Meeting House (81 High St.) by Trustee Nora Hayes.

Eighth Commandment - “You shall not steal.”  Presented at the Second Baptist Church (306 Washington St.) by Deacon Pledge Webb.  The church also provided refreshments.  The history of the Second Baptist Church was presented by Trustee Eugene Stafford.  Trustee Stafford was a previous Chief of Police and Mayor of Mount Holly.

Ninth Commandment – “You shall not bear false witness.”  Presented at the Second Baptist Church (306 Washington St.) by Reverend Leon Bell, Jr.  Chaplin Leon Bell, Jr. is retired from the U.S. Army and administers to the needs of those at the local hospital as well as augmenting the needs for a short-staffed Military Chaplaincy in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas.  Ten Commandment 2004 Hike Chair, Robert Manoil and a group of Scouts representing the BSA and the GSA presented a Ten Commandment Hike Patch to Chaplin Bell.

Tenth Commandment - “You shall not covet anything that is your neighbors.”  Presented at the Mount Moriah A.M.E Church (212 Washington St.) by Reverend Jonathan L. Wade, Sr.