Categories: Historical Documents

North Dakota 2000

PROCLAMATION

The Preamble to the Constitution of the state of North Dakota states that “We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain and establish this constitution.”

Benjamin Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 stated: “It is impossible to build an empire without our Father’s aid. I believe the sacred writings which say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’” (Psalm 127:1).

George Washington enunciated, “animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and conducting ourselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, we may enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity.”

Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have moved the conviction that these liberties are the gift of God.”

James Madison, father of the U.S. Constitution, advocated “the diffusion of the light of Christianity in our nation” in his Memorial and Remonstrance.

Patrick Henry quoted Proverbs 14:34 for our nation: “Righteousness alone can exalt a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

George Mason, in his Virginia Declaration of Rights, forerunner to our U.S. Bill of Rights, affirmed: “That it is the mutual duty of all the practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.”

These, and many other truly great men and women of America, giants in the structuring of American history, were Christian statesmen of caliber and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith.

For these reasons, I proclaim November 5-11, 2000, as

“CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK”

in North Dakota.

EDWARD T. SCHAFER

Governor

ATTEST:

Alvin Jaeger

Secretary of State

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 2000

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION

Presented in honor of:

Religious Heritage Week

November 19-25, 2000

WHEREAS, the Preamble to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania states that, “We, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to the Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance, do ordain and establish this Constitution;” and

WHEREAS, Benjamin Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 stated: “It is impossible to build an empire without our Father’s aid. I believe the sacred writings which say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1);” and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry quoted Proverbs 14:34 for our nation: “Righteousness alone can exalt a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people;” and

WHEREAS, the United States was founded on the ideal of religious freedom and tolerance for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of Elizabethtown does hereby proclaim November 19ththrough the 25thas Religious Heritage Week.

Signed this 19thday of November, 2000.

Mayor

Pennsylvania 2000

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

The House of Representatives

Citation

Whereas, The churches of the 98th Legislative District are being honored upon the observance of Christian Heritage Week, which will be celebrated on November 19-25, 2000; and

Whereas, Throughout our nation’s history, our leaders have been statesmen of conscience and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin stated, “It is impossible to build an empire without our Father’s aid. I believe the sacred writings which say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1).” George Washington enunciated, “Animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and conducting ourselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, we may enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity.” Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote, “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” In his memorial and remonstrance speech, which was delivered to the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1875, James Madison, father of the Constitution of the United States, advocated “the diffusion of the light of Christianity in our nation.” Patrick Henry quoted Proverbs 14:34 for our nation, saying, “Righteousness alone can exalt a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” In the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason affirmed “that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.”

Now therefore, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joins with the churches of the 98th legislative District in observing Christian Heritage Week; affirms that the deep and enduring values of the Christian faith are the firm foundation of our past which will ensure a future of strength and hope throughout this Commonwealth and our entire nation;

And directs that a copy of this citation, sponsored by the Honorable Thomas E. Armstrong on November 16, 2000, be transmitted to the churches of the 98th Legislative District.

Thomas E. Armstrong, Sponsor

Matthew Ryan, Speaker of the House

Attest:

Ted Mazia, Chief Clerk of the House

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