On Nov. 11, 1620, as their ship the Mayflower waited to land near present-day Cape Cod, the colonists signed the Mayflower Compact, agreeing on their purpose and how they would govern themselves.

The Compact stated that they had "undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia . . ." According to their own words, evangelism and furtherance of the Christian faith were clearly stated goals of the group.