Categories: Historical Documents

Virginia 1998

Virginia

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

 

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the

Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

 AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

WHEREAS, religious freedom is recognized as a fundamental right of citizenship in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is the birthplace of men such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason and Patrick Henry, who fought for and secured the freedom of conscience; and

WHEREAS, great men of faith, such as George Washington, Roger Sherman and John Quincy Adams served in American government not only to preserve and protect private morality but to encourage national happiness through religious principle; and

WHEREAS, the principles of liberty, justice and equality before the law, as well as the very structure of representative government, are rooted in Christianity and prove the indispensable nature of the faith in the history of our Commonwealth and our nation; and

WHEREAS,  during this week, all citizens are urged to remember that America’s Christian heritage is essential to define our spiritual and structural foundation and to ensure liberty in the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James S. Gilmore, III, do hereby recognize the week of November 22-28 as AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

James S. Gilmore, III 

Secretary of the Commonwealth

Anne P. Petera

Secretary of the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania 1998

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Governor’s Office

Proclamation

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

November 22 – 28, 1998

 WHEREAS, The Preamble to the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania states that “We, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to 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, George Washington enunciated: “animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and conducing ourselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, we may enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity;” and

 WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction of these liberties are the gift of God?” and

 WHEREAS, James Madison, father of the U.S. Constitution, advocated “the diffusion of the light of Christianity in our nation” in his Memorial and Remonstrance; 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, George Mason, in his Virginia Declaration of Rights, forerunner of our U.S. Bill of Rights, affirmed: “That it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other;” and

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

 THEREFORE, I, Tom Ridge, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 22 – 28, 1998, as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Pennsylvania.

 GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and twenty-third.

 TOM RIDGE

 Governor

South Carolina 1998

State of South Carolina

Proclamation

By

Governor David M. Beasley

WHEREAS, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 Benjamin Franklin stated that “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, we each have been richly blessed by The Almighty whose divine providence our founding fathers sought as they established these United States of America as a free and independent nation: and

WHEREAS, the contributions of faith and traditions of our people are often reflected in the prayers offered preceding each day’s opening of the General Assembly of this state and the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, the importance of our Christian heritage to the institutions, values and vision of our nation is immeasurable; and

WHEREAS, our Christian heritage is further reflected by our people and our leaders, past and present, in our individual and collective efforts as a nation of peacekeepers and peacemakers to provide for other people, both in America and abroad, by providing humanitarian assistance to our fellow men, women and children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, David M. Beasley, Governor of the Great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 15-21, 1998 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in South Carolina.

David M. Beasley

Governor

State of South Carolina

Indiana 1998

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

INDIANAPOLIS

PROCLAMATION

Executive Order

To All To Whom These Presents May Come, Greeting:

WHEREAS, the Preamble to the constitution of the State of Indiana states that “We, the people of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain 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 that say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1)”; and

WHEREAS, George Washington said: “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”; and

WHEREAS, 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?”; and

WHEREAS, these and many other truly great men and women of the United States, giants in the structuring of American history, were Christian statesmen of caliber and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANK O’BANNON, Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby proclaim the week of November 22 – 28, 1998, as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the State of Indiana, and invite all Hoosiers to take due note of the observance.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Indiana at the Capitol in Indianapolis on this 6th day of February, 1998.

BY THE GOVERNOR:

Frank O’Bannon

Governor of Indiana

ATTEST:

Sue Anne Gilroy

Secretary of State

Kansas 1998

STATE OF KANSAS

PROCLAMATION

BY THE

GOVERNOR

TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, The Preamble to the constitution of the State of Kansas states that “We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, 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 that say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1);” and

WHEREAS, 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?;” and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim November 22-28, 1998 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Kansas.

DONE At the Capitol in Topeka under the Great Seal of the State this 28th day of October, A.D. 1998.

BY THE GOVERNOR: BILL GRAVES

RON THORNBURGH

Secretary of State

By JAC

Assistant Secretary of State

Massachusetts 1998

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

A PROCLAMATION

By His Excellency

GOVERNOR ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI

1998

 

WHEREAS, The United States was originally settled by colonists seeking the freedom to worship freely; and

WHEREAS, In colonial times, religious leaders offered guidance through their role in the church and often led their communities in areas as diverse as theology, medicine, law, education, and politics; and

WHEREAS, Religion has served as a constant source of moral and spiritual guidance for centuries, providing millions of individuals with inspiration, hope, and comfort; and

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Center is promoting the week of November 22nd through November 28th, 1998 as America’s Christian Heritage Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the week of November 22nd through November 28th, 1998, to be CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK IN MASSACHUSETTS and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and twenty-third.

By His Excellency the Governor

ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI

WILLIAM F. GALVIN

Secretary of the Commonwealth

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

West Virginia 1998

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 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’ survival 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 great history;

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that I, Cecil H. Underwood, Governor of the State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 22-28, 1998, 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 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 Tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-eight and in the One Hundred Fifty-fifth year of the State.

Cecil H. Underwood

Governor

By the Governor

Ken Hechler

Secretary of State

Arizona 1998

Office of the Governor

PROCLAMATION

“ARIZONA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK”

WHEREAS, Arizona’s landscape is a beautiful reminder of God’s good work, and our diverse culture symbolizes his love for all people; and

WHEREAS, we, as a united people, celebrate the important role that our forefathers have played in the development of our culture; and

WHEREAS, the influence of America’s Christian Heritage is evident in the writings of William Bradford, John and Abigail Adams, James Madison, Patrick Henry, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, as well as countless public documents and decrees; and

WHEREAS,  Arizona’s Christian Heritage Week will be celebrated by people of all walks of life who wish to promote the message of unconditional love and the growing need for kindness and decency among all people throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving is an ideal time to celebrate the contributions that our forefathers have made to our rich culture and strong heritage;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Jane Dee Hull, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim November 22 through 28, 1998 as

“ARIZONA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK”

and urge all citizens of Arizona to recognize and observe this week.

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

Jane Dee Hull
Governor

DONE at the Capitol in Phoenix on this ninth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-eight and of the Independence of the United States of America the Two Hundred and Twenty-second.

Betsey Bayless
Secretary of State

Mississippi 1998

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

Whereas, John Adams wrote, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were . . . the general principles of Christianity”; 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”; 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?”; 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”; 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”; 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”; and

Whereas, commemorating America’s Christian heritage provides an opportunity for us 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, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim November 22-28, 1998, AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Mississippi.

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, February 25, 1998,  in the two hundred and twenty-second year of the United States of America.

 KIRK FORDICE

 GOVERNOR

Michigan 1998

 

STATE OF MICHIGAN

EXECUTIVE DECLARATION

Governor John Engler

Hereby Issues this Executive Declaration

in Observance of

November 22 – 28, 1998

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 22 – 28, 1998, 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 eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight and of the Commonwealth one hundred and sixty-one.

JAMES ENGLER

Governor