What does it mean to stand for religious freedom? Here, before the Mary Dyer Statue, we remember a woman who did just that. This statue honors Mary Dyer, a Quaker who was hanged on Boston Common in 1660. She died for her religious beliefs.
The Mary Dyer Statue stands near the Massachusetts State House. It reminds us of Boston’s earliest days in the 17th century. Mary Dyer’s story is one of courage and conviction.
Let’s delve into Mary Dyer’s life. She was likely born in England around 1611. In 1633, she married William Dyer. Two years later, they sailed to the New World. Like many, they were Puritans. They sought religious freedom but found conflict even here.
In Boston, the religious community was divided. The Antinomian Controversy split the Puritans. Anne Hutchinson led the Antinomians. They had different interpretations of the Bible. William and Mary sided with Hutchinson. In 1638, the Antinomians were banished.
Feeling defeated, the Dyers moved to Rhode Island. Others who shared their views settled there too. They lived there for over a decade. In 1651, Mary and William returned to England.
During her time in England, Mary converted to Quakerism. Quakers believed in equal freedoms for men and women. In 1656, Quaker missionaries arrived in Boston. They preached to the Puritan populace. The Puritans considered them heretics.
Mary returned to Boston in 1657. She knew about the laws against Quakers. She began preaching her beliefs and was imprisoned. Her husband secured her release. She had to leave the colony.
The government passed harsher laws. Quaker men faced having their ears cut off. Women faced lashings. Mary returned to Boston with other women to protest. They were imprisoned.
After release, Mary and others faced banishment. They would be executed if they returned. Two men, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson, were caught holding Quaker meetings. They were arrested.
Mary felt called to support her friends. She knew it meant risking her life. She returned to Boston and was imprisoned with them.
On October 27, the three Quakers were led to Boston Neck. This place was for executions. Mary walked between the men, hand in hand. Robinson and Stephenson were hanged. The noose was placed around Mary’s neck.
Someone shouted, “Stop. She was reprieved.” Mary would not hang that day. Her son had pleaded for her life. The governor wanted to discourage her mission. He allowed the hanging to proceed but issued a last-second reprieve.
Mary refused the reprieve. She felt she had given her life already. She was forced to leave Boston. She lived in New York for a winter.
She learned of a letter from the Puritans. It justified persecuting Quakers. They claimed they were generous in pardoning Mary Dyer. Enraged, she returned to Boston in April.
Mary was arrested again. She stood trial. She pleaded for the repeal of unjust laws. She was sentenced to death. On June 1, 1660, Mary Dyer was hanged. She was buried in an unmarked grave.
Mary Dyer’s legacy is about religious freedom. It is about standing with your fellow human. She supported her friends. She gave her life to expose injustice.
This Mary Dyer Statue, created by Sylvia Shaw Judson in 1959, reminds us of her sacrifice. Remember her courage as you pass by. Her story is a testament to fighting for what you believe. It is a story of love for humanity.