The Motto

The motto of United New England, “We shall be as a city upon a hill,” derives from a speech given in 1630 by John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts:

“We must entertain each other in brotherly affection. We must be willing to abridge ourselves of our superfluities, for the supply of others’ necessities. We must uphold a familiar commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberality. We must delight in each other; make others’ conditions our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, as members of the same body. So shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace... for we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.”

In 1961, American President-elect John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts referred to Winthrop’s words in a speech of his own, saying, “Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us--and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state and local, must be as a city upon a hill--constructed and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities.”