Categories: Historical Documents

Arkansas 1995

STATE OF ARKANSAS

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME—GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, The Preamble to the Constitution of the State of Arkansas states that “We the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and posterity, 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 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, 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 to 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 Christian statesmen of caliber and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Huckabee, Acting Governor of the State of Arkansas, do proclaim April 23rdthroughApril 29th, 1995, as:

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the state of Arkansas.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed at the Capitol in Little Rock on this 30thday of January in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five.

Mike Huckabee
Acting Governor

Sharon Priest
Secretary of State

Connecticut 1995

State of Connecticut

By His Excellency JOHN G. ROWLAND, Governor: an

Official Statement

WHEREAS, this nation has been richly blessed by The Lord God Whose Divine Providence our founding fathers sought as they established these United States of America as a free and independent nation; and

WHEREAS, as John Quincy Adams stated, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was that it connected in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity”; and

WHEREAS, the Christian heritage of our nation is recognized in the writings and accomplishments of such renowned individuals as Christopher Columbus, William Bradford, George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, James Madison, Patrick Henry, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and countless others, and in the constitutions of the several sovereign states, and innumerable public documents and utterances; and

WHEREAS, the history of Christian faith and traditions of our people is reflected in countless practices of the institutions and officials of our government, such as prayer and Scripture reading preceding each and every session of Congress, from its inception until this day; and

WHEREAS, the importance of our Christian heritage to the institutions, values and vision of our nation is immeasurable, and teaching our children about the wisdom and  spiritual values of our historical Christian heritage is vital to the preservation of the Republic and the longevity of the nation;

WHEREAS, it is entirely appropriate to recognize the Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving for God’s Providence as a special time and reason for celebrating our nation’s Christian heritage; now

THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland,, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially designate November 19 – 25, 1995 as Christian Heritage Week in the State of Connecticut.

John G. Rowland
Governor

Illinois 1995

STATE OF ILLINOIS

 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, religious holidays, festivals, and celebrations add 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;

THEREFORE, I, Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaim November 19-25, 1995, 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 thirty-first day of February, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-five, and of the State of Illinois the one hundred and seventy-seventh.

JIM EDGAR

GOVERNOR

GEORGE H. RYAN

SECRETARY OF STATE

Indiana 1995

STATE OF INDIANA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

INDIANAPOLIS

PROCLAMATION

Executive Order

To All To Whom These Presents May Come, Greeting:

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

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

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving week is a fitting time to center attention on the religious heritage of our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EVAN BAYH, Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby proclaim November 21 – 27, 1995 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the State of Indiana.

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 14th day of November, 1995.

BY THE GOVERNOR:

Evan Bayh

Governor of Indiana

ATTEST:

Sue Anne Gilroy

Secretary of State

New Jersey 1995

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, during 1995, we reflect on the goals set forth in past years to understand and recapture our Christian Heritage and to reestablish our original freedom of religious concepts; and

WHEREAS, we are reminded of the words of James Madison, who in 1778 stated, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future…upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God”; and

WHEREAS, George Washington stated, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection, aid, and favors”; and

WHEREAS, we also remember the words in the Declaration of Independence, when the Framers noted, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim NOVEMBER 19 TO NOVEMBER 25, 1995 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in New Jersey, and encourage our citizens to join in remembering that individual faith is in the power that inspires men of good will to lay foundations and to pursue noble goals for themselves and for their country.

GIVEN, under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey, this thirty-first day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-five and of the Independence of the United States, the two hundred and nineteenth.

BY THE GOVERNOR:

CHRISTINE WHITMAN

GOVERNOR

LONNA R. HOOKS, SECRETARY OF STATE

Mississippi 1995 (issued November)

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

Whereas, the State of Mississippi is richly blessed in natural beauty and superb resources, reflecting God’s miracle of creation; and

Whereas, the writings of the Founding Fathers of this nation, as well as the writings and speeches of those who have led our nation in times of war and of peace, clearly demonstrate a consistent and fervent belief in God and in the blessings that accrue from Christian beliefs and ideals; and

Whereas, the Declaration of Independence declares: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and the Declaration of Independence closes: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”; and

Whereas, it has been noted that in his farewell address, George Washington advised: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” And, John Quincy Adams observed, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity” (Letter from Plymouth Rock, September 1990); and

Whereas, it is fitting that we recognize the supreme importance our Founding Fathers placed upon Christianity, as well as the central role this ancient religion has played in the history of our nation and world; and

Whereas, the bible tells us, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14):

Now, therefore, I, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim the week of Thanksgiving, November 19 through November 25, 1995, AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Mississippi and encourage our citizens to partake and participate in this time of joy with appropriate celebrations, ceremonies, and prayer. May God bless this state, and may God bless the United States of America.

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, November 16, 1995, in the two hundred and twentieth year of the United States of America.

 KIRK FORDICE

 GOVERNOR

West Virginia 1995

Proclamation

by

Gaston Caperton

Governor of the State of West Virginia

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

WHEREAS,  the, Bill of Rights to the Constitution of West Virginia and the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religious speech and worship to all citizens of he Mountain State; and,

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

WHEREAS, Psalm 17:1 warns, Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain; 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, Gaston Caperton, Governor of the State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 19, 1995  – November 25, 1995, as:

Christian Heritage Week

in West Virginia  and encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate  the religious heritage of our great state and nation.

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-five and in the One Hundred Thirty-second year of the State.

                                                                                                         Gaston Caperton

                                                                                                         Governor

                                                                                           By the Governor

                                                                                                         Ken Hechler

                                                                                                         Secretary of State

Mississippi 1995 (issued April)

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

Whereas, in 1995, we again reflect on the goals set forth in past years to understand and recapture our Christian Heritage and to reestablish our original freedom of religious concepts; and

Whereas, the Constitution of the State of Mississippi states: “We the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work, do ordain and establish this Constitution…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. The rights hereby secured shall not be construed to justify acts of licentiousness injurious to morals or dangerous to the peace and safety of the State, or to exclude the Holy Bible from use in any public school of this State”; and

Whereas, we are reminded of the words of James Madison who in 1778 stated, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future…upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God”; and

Whereas, George Washington stated, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection, aid, and favors”; and

Whereas, let us now refrain from excluding from our teachings, our textbooks and our thoughts the importance of religious values and activities in America’s private, public, and political life; and

Whereas, may we also remember the words in the Declaration of Independence, when the Framers noted, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”

Now, therefore, I, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim Thanksgiving Week, November 19 through November 25, 1995, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Mississippi and encourage our citizens to join in remembering that individual faith is the power that inspires men of goodwill to lay foundations and to pursue noble goals for themselves and for their country. God bless the citizens of the State of Mississippi, and God bless the United States of America.

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, April 13, 1995, in the two hundred and nineteenth year of the United States of America.

 KIRK FORDICE

 GOVERNOR

Wisconsin 1994

THE STATE of WISCONSIN

OFFICE of the GOVERNOR

A PROCLAMATION

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

WHEREAS; Christian Heritage is important to our state’s traditions and values; and

WHEREAS; religious holidays, festivals, and celebrations have brought welcome respite from 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 concern to citizens of all faiths;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOMMY G. THOMPSON, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim November 20 through November 26, 1994 CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all citizens.

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

Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this first day of November in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-four.

TOMMY G. THOMPSON

GOVERNOR

By the Governor:

DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE

Secretary of State

Virginia 1994

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 formation of the Virginia Colony began April 10, 1606 with the First Charter of Virginia having among the several purposes of the company being “propagating Christian Religion”; one hundred and four English settlers on April 26, 1607, landed on the shores of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, these settlers planted a cross at what they called Cape Henry and offered a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication of the land to God: “…. That from these very shores the gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but the entire world”, and this landing resulted in the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown; and

WHEREAS, our Virginia history is replete with references to the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and faith in God from George Washington, Patrick Henry, and James Madison; and

WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights all flowed from authors having similar views;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, George Allen, Governor, do hereby recognize November 20-26, 1994, 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