The Cornish Creed
The Cornish Creed
Preserving the Historical Rules and Community Principles of Cornish
Historical manuscripts offer a direct view into the dedicated community guidelines and foundational principles of past generations. For members of the Cornish Heritage Society in America, the text from these archival newspaper clippings records "The Cornish Creed." This 15-point document details the expectations, shared values, and codes of conduct observed by the permanent residents and members of the Cornish colony in New Hampshire.
The Foundation of the Community
The historical document outlines the rise of a dedicated group within the Connecticut River Valley. According to the archival text, a structured doctrine was observed in Cornish by a large group of residents who referred to themselves as the "Sittites."
These individuals established a deep connection to the local landscape, transitioning into permanent, perennial residents of the Cornish hills. The manuscript notes that the community developed a strong sense of stewardship over the town of Cornish, the Connecticut River, and Mt. Ascutney.
To protect the character of their community and guide their daily interactions with both long-standing local residents and incoming newcomers, they formalized their principles into The Cornish Creed. The central guiding principle of this community code was the steadfast commitment to "Sit tight."
The "Fujiyama" Connection
A significant geographic directive within the creed appears in commands 10 and 11. These points focus specifically on how the community members viewed, honored, and referenced their local landmark, Mt. Ascutney:
10. Ascutney is Our Mountain, and especially that long, strong, but gentle, slope to the southeast.
11. Among those strong in the Faith Our Mountain may be alluded to as Fujiyama, but not in the presence of Natives who saw it before we were born.
The code established that those strong in the community's faith could look upon Mt. Ascutney and refer to it by the name Fujiyama, drawing a parallel to the famous mountain peak. However, the creed also mandated respect for the long-standing residents of the area, directing members to reserve the name Fujiyama for their own circles out of respect for the multi-generational locals who had lived under the mountain since before the colony's establishment.
Today, this historic connection endures in the region, with the name Fujiyama remaining a prominent local identifier.
The 15 Commands of the Cornish Creed
The complete text of the creed, preserved from the historical manuscript, outlines the specific behavioral standards, expressions, and community expectations for the colony:
We found Cornish.
Cornish is ours.
Cornish with us in it is a good thing.
Do not spoil a good thing by going forever from Cornish or by leading others, not your superiors, to come to it.
Sit tight in Cornish.
Of talk about Cornish with other possible members:
a. Saw wood.
b. Sit tight.
Of the Superior Smile: Wear it when any who can by no chance become Fellow members speak ill of Cornish.
Of the Condescending Smile: Wear it when speaking of Cornish delights to Natives who were here when we found Cornish.
Of the Acquiescing Smile: Wear it when objectionable would-be newcomers mention Fogs, Remoteness, Inconveniences, Dampness, Mosquitoes, and other possible disadvantages of Life in Cornish. It is better to smile a lie than to get one bad member.
Ascutney is Our Mountain, and especially that long, strong, but gentle, slope to the southeast.
Among those strong in the Faith Our Mountain may be alluded to as Fujiyama, but not in the presence of Natives who saw it before we were born.
Sit tight.
In answer to the question, "Why live in Cornish?" simply sit tight and wear the Deprecating Smile or Dry Grin.
Always sit tight.
Never forget that you help to make Cornish what it is.
By. Dale Embry-Stinnick