Elder John Leland
Courageous leader of
the Baptist Doctrine
Ardent advocate of the principles
of democracy
Vindicator of separation
of church and state.
Near this spot in 1788, elder John Leland and James Madison, the father of the American Constitution, held a significant interview which resulted in the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia. Then Madison, a member of Congress from Orange, presented the First Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing religious liberty, free speech, and a free press. This satisfied Leland and his Baptist followers.
Presented by Eugene Bucklin Dowden, President, Berkshire County, Massachusetts Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
Marker is at the intersection of Constitution Highway (State Highway 20) and Clifton Road (County Route 628), on the right when traveling west on Constitution Highway.
Courtesy hmdb.org
