Categories: Historical Documents

Virginia 1997

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, the brave settlers who ventured to America in 1607 under the First Virginia Charter granted by King James I put their faith in God and offered a prayer of Thanksgiving upon arriving in the New World at the Jamestown settlement; and

WHEREAS, the English adventurers who were granted this charter were charged with several purposes, among them “propagating Christian religion;” and

WHEREAS, in his Notes on the State of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson asked “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, Mr. Jefferson later proclaimed as Governor of Virginia in 1779, a Public Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, “That He would in mercy look down upon us, pardon all our sins and receive us into His favour; and finally, that He would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety;” and

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

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia was the first State to recognize the Statute of Religious Freedom and Article 1, Section 16 of the Virginia Constitution states “it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other;” and

WHEREAS, churches are important spiritual centers for millions of our citizens and help build strong families and cohesive communities; and

WHEREAS, during this Thanksgiving season we can all give thanks for the guidance, blessings and immeasurable bounty of our Creator, which has shaped the rich history of our Commonwealth and nation and brought us prosperity, freedom and opportunity;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, George Allen, Governor, do hereby recognize November 23-29, 1997, as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

George Allen

Governor

Becky Davis Beamer

Secretary of the Commonwealth

Oklahoma 1997

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

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, “And 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 to “insure domestic Tranquillity” 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, Frank Keating, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the week of November 23-29, 1997 (Thanksgiving Week) as “America’s Christian Heritage Week” in the State of Oklahoma and I encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate, each in his or her own way, America’s Christian Heritage.

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

Done at the Capitol, in the City of Oklahoma City, this 4th day of November, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven, and of the State of Oklahoma in the eighty-ninth year.

Frank Keating

GOVERNOR

Sally Smedley

Acting Assistant SECRETARY OF STATE

Pennsylvania 1997

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Governor’s Office

Proclamation

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

November 23 – 29, 1997

 

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 23 – 29, 1997, as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Pennsylvania.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this Fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and twenty-second.

 

TOM RIDGE

Governor

Idaho 1997

The Office of the Governor

Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Preamble to the Constitution of the State of Idaho declares that “We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution”; and

WHEREAS, the Christian heritage of our nation is recognized in many public documents written by our forefathers and reflected in the practices in our public institutions and by our government officials; and

WHEREAS, Idaho has been richly blessed in natural beauty, reflecting God’s miracle of creation; and

WHEREAS, our community churches serve a vital function in binding citizens together through providing crucial education and charitable services; and

WHEREAS, the importance of our Christian heritage to the traditions and values of Idaho is immeasurable; and

WHEREAS, as we observe this special time of year, it is appropriate to recognize that Thanksgiving provides a specific time and reason for celebrating our Christian heritage;

NOW, THEREFORE, I PHILIP E. BATT, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the week of November 23 through 29, 1997 to be

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in Idaho, and encourage Idahoans to acknowledge the religious heritage of our great state and our nation and to observe this week appropriately.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this Twenty-fourth day of July in the year of our Lord] Nineteen hundred ninety-seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Two hundred twenty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighth.

PHILIP E. BATT

GOVERNOR

PETE T. CENARRUSA

SECRETARY OF STATE

Peoria, Illinois 1997

Office of the Mayor

City of Peoria

Proclamation

WHEREAS, religious holidays, festivals, and celebrations contribute to the cultural mosaic of our state; and

WHEREAS, churches are a functional part of the communities in our state, often providing charitable assistance to our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving week is an appropriate time to center attention on the religious heritage of our state and nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lowell G. Grieves, Mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby proclaim November 23 though 29, 1997, as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in Peoria, Illinois.

Dated this 18thday of November, 1997 A.D.

Lowell Grieves

Mayor

West Virginia 1997

Proclamation

By Governor Cecil H. Underwood

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

WHEREAS, for many West Virginians, school days began in a one-room schoolhouse with a daily Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and Bible reading; and,

WHEREAS,  the Declaration of Independence declares that governments are to secure our Creator-endowed unalienable Rights to “…Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”; 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; and,

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

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving week is an appropriate time to center attention on thanks to Almighty God for His great and good Providence and for the Christian faith, which is a foundation of American history;

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that I, Cecil H. Underwood, Governor of the State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 23-29, 1997, as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia  and encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate  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 First day of April, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-seven and in the One Hundred Thirty-fourth year of the State.

Cecil H. Underwood

Governor

By the Governor

Ken Hechler

Secretary of State

Lodi, California 1997

PROCLAMATION

America’s Christian Heritage Week

WHEREAS, America’s Christian Heritage Week provides an opportunity to be united as “one Nation under God” and to better understand that the source of our liberties and rights is God, not government (as governments are to secure our God given rights); and     

WHEREAS, it refutes false teachings about America’s Christian heritage and become educated about America’s founding documents; and

WHEREAS, it proves today’s “separation of church and state” is not the intent of America’s founding documents nor intended by the founders; and

WHEREAS, it motivates Christians to seek public office and be “salt/light” in their communities, and to hope and pray that skeptics will have a change of heart, getting America back to God.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Phillip A. Pennino, Mayor of the City of Lodi, do hereby proclaim the week of November 23-29, 1997 as “America’s Christian Heritage Week” in the City of Lodi, urging all citizens to acknowledge and appreciate our heritage and freedom.

SIGNED this 19thday of November, 1997.

Phillip A. Pennino

Mayor, City of Lodi

Mississippi 1997

 

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

Whereas, the State of Mississippi is richly blessed with natural beauty and natural resources reflecting God’s miracle of Creation; and

Whereas, the Declaration of Independence declares that our citizens are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”; and

Whereas, strength of character and steadfast faith sustain our State’s citizens through difficult times; and

Whereas, Thanksgiving week is an appropriate time to give thanks to Almighty God for His great and good Providence and for the Christian Faith, which is a foundation of American history:

Now, therefore, I, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim November 23-29, 1997, 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, August 29, 1997, in the two hundred and twenty-second year of the United States of America.

 KIRK FORDICE

 GOVERNOR

Iowa 1997

STATE OF IOWA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

In The Name and By The Authority of The State of Iowa

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, OUR STATE HAS BEEN RICHLY BLESSED IN NATURAL BEAUTY, REFLECTING GOD’S MIRACLE OF CREATION; AND

WHEREAS, THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN HERITAGE TO THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF OUR STATE IS IMMEASURABLE; AND

WHEREAS, RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS HAVE BROUGHT WELCOME RESPITE FROM WEARY LABOR, AS WELL AS RENEWED RESPECT AND MEANING FOR NATURE’S SEASONS OF CHANGE; AND

WHEREAS, THE COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVES A VITAL FUNCTION IN BINDING FOLK TOGETHER AND PROVIDING CRUCIAL EDUCATION AND CHARITABLE SERVICES; AND

WHEREAS, TEACHING FUTURE GENERATIONS OF OUR STATE THE ALL IMPORTANT ROLE OF CHRISTIAN HERITAGE IS OF CRUCIAL CONCERN TO CITIZENS OF ALL FAITHS;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TERRY E. BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF IOWA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 23 – 29, 1997, AS AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK IN IOWA, IN RECOGNITION OF OUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.

DONE AT DES MOINES, IOWA THIS 16TH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND EIGHT.

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

PAUL D. PATE

SECRETARY OF STATE

Maryland 1997

THE STATE OF MARYLAND

PROCLAMATION

From the Governor of the State of Maryland

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

NOVEMBER 23 – 29, 1997

WHEREAS, The time-honored religious traditions of Maryland have been faithfully strengthened and enhanced as a direct result of the noteworthy contributions rendered by those who give to generously of their time, knowledge and resources while working in the valuable areas of Christian life; and

WHEREAS, The millions of dedicated Christians now and in our country’s history have paved the great road that our country has ridden on; and

WHEREAS, The time has come for a nationwide recognition of the work done by Christians determined to make the world better and to leave it in better form than the one they entered into; and

WHEREAS, Maryland is pleased to join with the nationwide community of Christians in celebrating a week to remember those who have achieved an impressive legacy of caring and community service – as we praise the vision and enthusiasm of others and hope for continued success and happiness in the days and in the years ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I PARRIS N. GLENDENING, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim November 23 – 29, 1997 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Maryland, and do commend this observance to all of our citizens.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland the 23rd day of November One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-seven

PARRIS N. GLENDENING

Governor

JOHN J. WILLIS

Secretary of State