thinker of constitutional questions. At the outset of the process of drafting the Massachusetts Constitution, Reverend Payson preached a sermon at Boston on May 27,1778, before the Honorable Council and the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts, advocating for the moral basis of government and the need for state fi - nancial support for religion, on the grounds that religion was necessary for public happiness, prosperity and to preserve order and government in the state. John Adams, who was the principal draftsman of the Massachusetts Constitution, agreed with Reverend Payson’s philosophical position, relative to the moral basis of government, and incorporated Payson’s thoughts into Article Three of the draft constitution that was submitted to the voters of Massachusetts, authorizing a general religious tax to be directed to the church of the taxpayer’s choice. In 1780, the Massachusetts Constitution was declared approved by the required twothirds vote of the people. To this day it is the oldest written constitution in the world. It originated the famous phrase “a government of laws and not men” and was the source of the inspirational words “We the People” — most commonly associated with the Preamble of the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787, ratifi ed in 1788 and operational in 1789, years after the Massachusetts Constitution had been ratifi ed. Following the contribution that Reverend Payson made to the writing of the Massachusetts Constitution, he was selected as Revere’s fi rst Representative to the Massachusetts General Court in 1783. In 1787, he was named as a Massachusetts delegate, chosen to ratify the Constitution of the United States. Reverend Payson was also renowned as a distinguished educator of his day, having organized a school for young men who were interested in entering the ministry. His reputation as an instructor was so impeccable that he was chosen by the fl edgling United States government to educate the eldest son of General Joseph Warren, the gallant Colonial General who had been killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He also tutored the son of General William Heath, who served as a Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War; John Rowe, the son of a famous Boston merchant (Rowe’s Wharf), whose tea went into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party of 1773; also William Sullivan, son of Governor James Sullivan, fi fth Governor of Massachusetts. Samuel Adams, the famous patriot, once referred to Payson as a gentleman of great qualifi cations and skills as an educator. Reverend Payson along with THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 RevereTV | FROM Page 2 er. Watch on the Community Channel through the end of the month or follow along at your own pace on YouTube as they prepare this delicious dish! The Revere Chamber of John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Robert Treat Paine, were some of the founding members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Payson published several sermons, including one “on the death of General Washington” and “A memorial of Lexington Battle.” Reverend Payson retired as Pastor of his Church in 1799, at the age of 63, although he remained an active citizen of the community. He served the best interests of his Church, his community, his state and his nation, all of his life. Reverend Payson died in 1801, 51 days before his friend and colleague, President John Adams, relinquished his presidency to President-elect Thomas Jeff erson. Upon Payson’s death, on January 11, 1801, at the age of 65, on the last page of his Church record was written by his successor, Joseph Tuckerman: “Peace be to the memory of [Reverend Payson], a man of worth; a man of letters and of virtue, too.” His funeral eulogy extolled his virtues with the words “In all of our Revolutionary War years was he not the wise and vigorous friend of this country? And since has he not labored to establish the good order of this country and to promote its prosperity? He was always respectful and ever esteemed and loved. Posterity will long rejoice in the fruits of his toil”. While Reverend Payson’s deeds, during the early years of our fl edgling nation, may have faded into history, he should be remembered as one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution for Independence and one of the skilled contributors and crafters of the Massachusetts Constitution. John J. Henry served as City Clerk of the City of Revere for 32 years from 1977-2009. He has written numerous articles about the early history of Revere. Commerce produced a new program that premiered last week called “Nonprofits.” This program was hosted by the Nonprofi t Liaison for the Chamber, Judie VanKooiman. If you are a fan of the RTV Community Channel, you may have recognized Judie! Judie is also a longtime community member at RevereTV and has a show of her own that airs a new episode every month. You can watch the April episode of “Life Issues with Judie VanKooiman” on Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 2pm. This episode will also be schedPage 9 uled proceeding “Nonprofi ts” a few other times this week. Tune in to RTV GOV for live streams and replays of all city meetings. After the Traffic Commission Meeting on Thursday, April 17th, there isn’t another live meeting scheduled until next Wednesday! Use this time to catch up on the April meetings so far by watching on television or YouTube. The current TV replay rotation includes the Revere City Council, Commission on Disabilities, Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund, RHS Building Committee, License Commission, and Traffi c Commission. RTV GOV is channel 9 on Comcast and channels 13 and 613 on RCN. Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. Free Pickup & Towing. Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 www.veterancardonations.org/dnt122 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011.
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