Categories: Historical Documents

Rhode Island 2000

State of Rhode Island and Providence

Plantations

GUBERNATORIAL PROCLAMATION

Whereas, John Adams wrote, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were…the general principles of Christianity.” (Letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1813.); and,

Whereas, Noah Webster taught, “The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His Apostles…This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.” (History of the United States, 1832, public school textbook.); and,

Whereas, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.; and,

Whereas, James Madison proclaimed, “And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in his favored land.” (Presidential Proclamation, 1815.); and,

Whereas, Benjamin Rush encouraged, “Let the children…be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education.” (A Plan for Free Schools, 1787.); and,

Whereas, George Washington exhorted, “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” (“Inaugural Address”, April 30, 1789.); and,

Whereas, commemorating America’s Christian heritage provides an opportunity for those choosing to participate to thank God for His “Blessings of Liberty”, to ask His help in reinsuring “domestic Tranquility”, and to recognize our national need to reaffirm our “reliance on the protection of divine Providence” in keeping America a “Free and Independent” Nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LINCOLN ALMOND, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM, November 19-25, 2000 as America’s Christian Heritage Week in the State of Rhode Island and encourage all of its citizens to join me in this nationwide celebration of America’s Christian heritage.

In recognition whereof I have hereby set my hand and caused the Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to be hereunto affixed this 19th Day of November 2000.

Lincoln Almond

Governor

James R. Langevin

Secretary of State

Illinois 2000

STATE OF ILLINOIS

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Preamble of the Constitution of the State of Illinois states that the People of the State of Illinois are “grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors;” and

WHEREAS, the Constitution of Illinois guarantees freedom of religious speech and worship to all citizens; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is richly blessed in natural beauty and natural resources, reflecting its natural beauty; and

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to center attention on our thanks to God for His great and good providence and for one’s faith, which is part of Illinois’ history.

THEREFORE, I George H. Ryan, Governor of the State of Illinois proclaim November 19-25, 2000, as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Illinois.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and  caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed.

Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield this twentieth day of June, in the Year of Our Lord two thousand, and

of the State of Illinois the one hundred and EIGHTY-SECOND

GEORGE H. RYAN

GOVERNOR

JESSE WHITT

SECRETARY OF STATE

Westminster, California 2000

City of Westminster

Proclamation

AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN

HERITAGE WEEK

November 19-25, 2000

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to center attention on our thanks to God for His blessings and for the Christian faith, which is a part of America’s great history; and

WHEREAS, the Westminster City Council is proud of the numerous cultures woven through the rich fabric of our community; and

WHEREAS, in America, people of many cultures are free to practice their own religion; and

WHEREAS, in American history, Christians have shaped a moral culture; and

WHEREAS, the first Thanksgiving Proclamation was declared on June 20, 1676, by the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, as they expressed thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established; and

WHEREAS, following the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln spoke these words, declaring the modern day observance of Thanksgiving Day: “ I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Frank G. Fry, Mayor of the City of Westminster, on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Margie L. Rice and City Council Members, Tony Lam, Kermit Marsh and Joy L. Neugebauer, do hereby proclaim November 19-25, 2000 as

“AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN

HERITAGE WEEK”

In the City of Westminster, California, and urges all citizens to observe this week by joining members of all faiths and creeds in seeking divine guidance for ourselves, our leaders and our country.

DATED: November 15, 2000

Frank G. Fry, Mayor

Costa Mesa, California 2000

City of Costa Mesa

Proclamation

WHEREAS, all citizens of this nation are guaranteed the freedom of religious speech and the right to worship; and

WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa has a long tradition of honoring and respecting all forms of religious expression; and

WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa is blessed to be the home to over thirty places of worship; and

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving is a traditional time for expressing one’s gratitude for the year’s blessings; and

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving 2000, will provide an opportunity to honor Christian faiths through the observance of “Christian Heritage Week;” and

WHEREAS, “Christian Heritage Week” observances and celebrations will be held throughout the nation the week of November 19-25, 2000; and

WHEREAS, “Christian Heritage Week” will provide members of the community with the opportunity to give thanks for the plentiful blessings of this country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GARY MONAHAN, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa do hereby proclaim November 19-25, 2000, “Christian Heritage Week” in the City of Costa Mesa and I encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate in their own way.

DATED this 18thday of October, 2000.

Gary Monahan

Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa

Republic, Missouri 2000

CITY of

REPUBLIC

PROCLAMATION

 WHEREAS, John Adams wrote, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were…the general principles of Christianity.” (Letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1813); and,

WHEREAS, Noah Webster taught “The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His Apostles…This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.” (History of the United States, 1832, public school textbook); and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781); and

WHEREAS,   James Madison proclaimed, “And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.” (Presidential Proclamation, 1815); and,

WHEREAS, Benjamin Rush encouraged, “Let the children…be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education.” (A Plan for Free Schools, 1787); and,

WHEREAS, George Washington exhorted, “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” (“Inaugural Address,” April 30, 1789); and

WHEREAS, commemorating America’s Christian heritage provides an opportunity for those choosing to participate to thank God for His “Blessings of Liberty”, to ask His help in reinsuring “Domestic Tranquility”, and to recognize our national need to reaffirm our “reliance on the protection of divine Providence” in keeping America a “Free and Independent” Nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, in conjunction with the 9thAnnual “America’s Christian Heritage Week” that is scheduled for November 19-25th, 2000, I, Keith D. Miller, serving as Mayor of the City of Republic, join in this nationwide celebration of America’s Christian Heritage by proclaiming November, 2000, as America’s Christian Heritage Month.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF,I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the City of Republic, this sixth day of November, A.D. 2000.

Keith D. Miller

Mayor

Mississippi 2000

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

by

Governor Ronnie Musgrove 

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Mississippi recognizes that the people of Mississippi are “grateful to Almighty God” while acknowledging that in a nation founded on freedom “no preference shall be given by law to any religious sect or mode of worship; but the free enjoyment of all religious sentiments and the different modes of worship shall be held sacred;” and

WHEREAS, many of our nation’s founders acknowledged the significance of the Christian religion in their lives and its importance upon the actions they took to establish our national government; and

WHEREAS, all our nation’s founders were shaped by their Christian ethics and heritage and the beliefs and teachings of Christianity; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to acknowledge the religious and spiritual beliefs and influences that, at one significant point in history produced and influenced our nation’s founders; and

WHEREAS, a knowledge and understanding of these influences will give us a deeper appreciation of our nation’s unique role and example to the world; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I Ronnie Musgrove, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim October 1-7, 2000 as Mississippi’s Seventh Annual

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the State of Mississippi and urge our citizens to reflect on Christianity’s important influences in the founding and life of our state and nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Jackson, June 22, 2000, in the two hundred and twenty-fourth year of the United States of America.

RONNIE MUSGROVE

GOVERNOR

New York 2000

State of New York

Executive Chamber

WHEREAS, during the week of May 7-13, 2000, the Annual Christian Heritage Week observance will be celebrated in communities across our State and Nation; throughout the history of our country, Americans have invoked the tenets of their faith to sustain them in all areas of their lives; this occasion offers citizens the opportunity to join in recognizing the enduring moral values and religious principles upon which many of our Nation’s founders looked for guidance; and

WHEREAS, as citizens who historically shared a board consensus of religiously inspired values and an enduring belief in religious freedom, this observance is testimony to an increased acknowledgement of the long and venerable role that Christianity has in the history of our country; it also underscores the well-documented foundational influence of the Christian heritage upon many great men and women, whose eminent names are emblazoned upon the illustrious pages of American history; and

WHEREAS, inspired by the fervent words of many of our national leaders and other renowned individuals who have helped advance the course of growth and progress of America, the sponsors of Christian Heritage Week encourage a special focus on youth-oriented activities to increase awareness and appreciation among young people of the strong historical foundations and religious ideals upon which our Nation was founded: and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that the Fifth Annual Christian Heritage Week observance be recognized for highlighting the historical and social significance of Christianity in our Nation’s past and present, as many of our citizens give expression to their religious faith and heritage;

NOW, THEREFORE, I George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize May 7-13, 2000 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the Empire State.

 George E. Pataki

  Governor

Michigan 2000

State of Michigan

EXECUTIVE DECLARATION

Governor John Engler

Hereby Issues this Executive Declaration

In Observance of

November 19 – 25, 2000

as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

WHEREAS, our nation was established on the foundation of our Judeo-Christian heritage, as our Founders knew that America’s experiment in ordered liberty could not succeed unless the American people remained mindful of God’s blessings and faithful to His will; and

WHEREAS, in Michigan, we are fortunate to have been blessed with beautiful rivers, lakes, fields, forests, and a people who, through hard work and intellectual effort and toil, have made cultural, industrial, agricultural, and educational advancements for the enrichment of life for our citizens; and

WHEREAS, In addition to having many blessings for which to be thankful, our society is also faced with difficult challenges, international unrest, and uncertain and changing times which test our people and challenge their beliefs; and

WHEREAS, it is our Christian Heritage which is treasured by so many of us, as Americans, that gives us strength during these trying times; and

WHEREAS, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge our many blessings, to contemplate the numerous challenges that we, as a society and a nation, face here at home and throughout the world, and to rededicate ourselves to our nation’s spiritual roots, our personal faith, and His divine plan to spread Hope, Peace, and Love among all people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Engler, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby declare November 19 – 25, 2000, as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Michigan, and I encourage the citizens of the Great Lakes State to recognize the importance of Christian beliefs and values to the life and culture of our state and nation.

Given under my hand on this thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand and of the Commonwealth one hundred and sixty-three.

JAMES ENGLER

Governor

West Virginia 2000 (month)

Proclamation

By Governor Cecil H. Underwood

WHEREAS,  the Preamble to the Constitution of West Virginia declares, “Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God…”; and,

WHEREAS,  the Declaration of Independence declares that our citizens are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights to “ … Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”; and,

WHEREAS,  the West Virginia Legislature opens each daily session with a prayer to Almighty God; and,

WHEREAS, West Virginians are a people grounded in faith and family, and our fundamental values have produced citizens with a strong sense of history, a fundamental commitment to our communities, a consistent desire to help others and a deep respect for the law; and,

WHEREAS, steadfast faith sustained our Mountaineer forefathers during years of hardship, suffering and isolation; and,

WHEREAS, our Christian heritage is seen daily in the character and lives of our citizens and by the many churches throughout the Mountain State;

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that I, Cecil H. Underwood, Governor of the State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim April 2000, as Christian Heritage Month in West Virginia and encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate each in their own way the heritage of our great state and nation where our motto is Mountaineers are Always Free.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia to be affixed.

Done at the Capitol, City of Charleston, State of West Virginia, this the Thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand , and in the One Hundred Thirty-seventh year of the State.

Cecil H. Underwood

Governor

By the Governor

Ken Hechler

Secretary of State

West Virginia 2000 (week)

Proclamation

By Governor Cecil H. Underwood

WHEREAS,  the Preamble to the Constitution of West Virginia declares, “Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God…”; and,

WHEREAS,  the Constitution of West Virginia guarantees religious freedom of religious speech and worship  to all citizens; and,

WHEREAS,  West Virginia is richly blessed in natural beauty and natural resources, reflecting God’s miracle of creation; and,

WHEREAS, steadfast faith sustained our Mountaineer forefathers through years of hardship, isolation and suffering; and,

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving  is an appropriate time to center attention on our thanks to Almighty God for His great and good Providence and for the Christian faith, which is part of West Virginia’s and America’s history;

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that I, Cecil H. Underwood, Governor of the State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 19-25, 2000, as Christian Heritage Week in the Mountain State and encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate each in their own way the heritage of our great state where our motto is Mountaineers Are Always Free.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia to be affixed.

Done at the Capitol, City of Charleston, State of West Virginia, this the Twenty-first day of June, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand , and in the One Hundred Thirty-eighth year of the State.

Cecil H. Underwood

Governor

By the Governor

Ken Hechler

Secretary of State