Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "New England Flag" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 33c New England Flag Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 14, 2000. In colonial times, the New England flag displayed a red ensign with the cross of St. George in the canton, while other flag variations portrayed a pine tree in a corner of the cross. In 1636, a controversy began that, for the most part, eliminated use of the cross altogether. Protestant clergyman Roger Williams preached a sermon to his congregation in Salem, Massachusetts, condemning the use of the cross in flag design. He believed using the cross in this way represented popery and was symbolic of the antichrist. Williams' controversial views on this and other issues spread throughout the colony, creating political and religious debate. Williams' "flag" sermon inspired the governor of Massachusetts Bay, John Endecott, to order the removal of the cross from flags used in Massachusetts. The local legislature determined that Endecott had "exceeded the lymits of his calling." He was stripped of his governorship and forbidden to hold any public office for one year. The legislature proclaimed that standard bearers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were free to adopt any flag design of their choosing. Even with this liberal edict, colonists, without exception, removed the cross from their flags, provoking opposition by crown authorities. Image Size: 11.5 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 13 x 18 in. Unframed. (B16735)