Sampler with apocalyptic verse 1827

In 1827, Ann McFarlan, a nine-year-old, created this linen sampler with blue thread. Such needlework was a common educational exercise for young women in the 19th century, meant to instill discipline and domestic skills. Yet this piece moves beyond the typical alphabet and numerals. Note the verse at the bottom left referencing the "last loud trumpet." McFarlan’s sampler reflects the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening. This Protestant revival, peaking in the early 1800s, emphasized personal piety and the anticipation of Christ's return. Samplers like this served as a medium for expressing personal faith within the confines of domestic life. The inclusion of houses and a church speaks to the importance of community and religious institutions in shaping moral character. Studying church records, census data, and the writings of religious figures from this period could further illuminate the cultural context. The sampler encapsulates the era's complex interplay between education, religion, and women's roles.