Categories: Historical Documents

Delaware 1993

STATE OF DELAWARE

STATEMENT

IN OBSERVANCE OF

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

Whereas, our Nation was founded on the belief that religious freedom was an inherent right of all citizens; and

Whereas, the Constitution of the State of Delaware states that “Through Divine Goodness, all men have by nature the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences…”; 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 relied on their religious beliefs for guidance, strength and comfort.

Now, Therefore, We, Thomas R. Carper, Governor, and Ruth Ann Minner, Lieutenant Governor, of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare November 14-20 1993, as:

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK 

In the State of Delaware, and urge all citizens to recognize the importance of this event.

Tehama, California 1993

PROCLAMATION

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK, NOVEMBER 21-27, 1993

WHEREAS, the Christian traditions upon which our nation was founded have greatly influenced the lives of generations of Americans and the development of our society; and

WHEREAS, these traditions are bolstered by ideals vital to our individual happiness and collective good; and

WHEREAS, these traditions stress the importance of family, religion, personal and societal responsibility, humane and just values and the equality of all men before God and before the law; and

WHEREAS, great men and women throughout the history of the United States (exemplified by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620) have turned to their religious beliefs not only for their own comfort, strength and inspirational guidance, but to embolden them in their efforts to promote liberty and opportunity for all people; and

WHEREAS, today’s culture makes it difficult for mothers and fathers to impart to their children the moral traditions that will enrich their growing years and help them become responsible, productive adults; and

WHEREAS, we must uphold the traditions that have for centuries been our nation’s strength, for in remembering and celebrating our religious past we can more faithfully strive for a vibrant spiritual future; and

WHEREAS, once again this year, citizens from coast to coast will be joining in celebration of Christian Heritage Week to rededicate themselves to the tenets of Christian teaching that have helped make America the greatest nation in the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Tehama does hereby proclaim November 21-27, 1993 as Christian Heritage Week in Tehama County and urge all citizens to appropriately celebrate this observance with reverence for the beliefs they cherish and thanks for the blessings in their lives.

Proclaimed this 16thday of November, 1993.

COUNTY OF TEHAMA

Floyd A. Hicks, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

Mississippi 1993

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

KIRK FORDICE

Whereas, in 1993, 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, we are reminded of the words of James Madison who in 1778 said, “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, let us 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 November 21 through November 27, 1993, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Mississippi and encourage our citizens to join in remembering that individual faith if the power that inspires men of goodwill to lay foundations and to pursue noble goals for themselves and their country.

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

DONE at the Capitol in the City of Jackson, this 23rd day of August in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and  ninety-three, and of the Independence of  the United States of America, the two hundred and eighteenth.

KIRK FORDICE

GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR

DICK MOLPUS

SECRETARY OF STATE

Louisiana 1993

STATE OF LOUISIANA

EDWIN W. EDWARDS

GOVERNOR

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, throughout the history of our country, prayer has been recognized by our leaders in times of war and peace as a vital part of maintaining a strong national character, and necessary to procure the blessings of a just and benevolent God upon our government and people; and

WHEREAS, the first national Thanksgiving Proclamation was put forth by Samuel Adams as a “National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer” and was observed by Washington’s army in the snowy fields of Valley Forge; and

WHEREAS, the observance of prayer encourages Americans to affirm our nation’s spiritual roots, to acknowledge dependence on God and to enlist prayer for local, state and national leaders; and

WHEREAS, it is certainly fitting and proper that we in Louisiana observe a time when all in our communities may acknowledge our many blessings and express gratitude to God for them while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our land; and

WHEREAS, it is important that we remember the need to stand in the grace of God every day and we should acknowledge the need to pray for our leaders in government; and

WHEREAS, a time should be set aside to focus on the wisdom of God in the heritage of the United States and the intention of our founding fathers that the counsel of God be always deeply rooted in our makeup and progress as a nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDWIN W. EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim November 21 through November 27, 1993 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Louisiana, and encourage all citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the religious heritage of our great state and nation.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of  Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the City of Baton Rouge, on this The 30th day of June A.D. 1993.

Attest By

The Governor                                              

EDWIN W. EDWARDS

Governor of Louisiana

Fox McKeithen

Secretary of State

Kentucky 1993

PROCLAMATION

BY

BRERETON C. JONES

OF THE

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come:

WHEREAS, All 50 state constitutions contain a statement of faith similar to the Preamble to Kentucky’s constitution which recognizes Almighty God to be the source “for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy and invoking the continuance of these blessings;” and

WHEREAS, The Pilgrim fathers, in the Mayflower Compact, America’s first written constitution, made a covenant to “form a civil body politic” “for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith;” and

WHEREAS, Our Founding Fathers recognized the nature of this covenant relationship whereby the success and prosperity of the nation is dependent upon America’s respect for the Lord and adherence to His ways; and

WHEREAS,  In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation as requested by the United States Senate which recognized that, “It’s the duty of nations to own their dependence on the overruling power of God” and, “That those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

WHEREAS, In 1789 both Houses of Congress requested President George Washington to issue the First Thanksgiving Proclamation which states: “Whereas, 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 implore His protection, and favor…and unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions…”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BRERETON C. JONES, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, do hereby proclaim November 21 – 27, in the Year of our Lord 1993 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK.

in Kentucky, and call on the citizens of the Commonwealth, to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, the need to obey His Will, be grateful for His benefits, unite in humbly offering prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions.

DONE AT THE CAPITOL, in the City of Frankfort, this Thanksgiving Day, the 1st day of November, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-three and in the 202nd year of the Commonwealth.

BRERETON C. JONES

GOVERNOR

Bob Babbage

Secretary of State

Alaska 1993

STATE OF ALASKA

Executive Proclamation

by

Walter J. Hickel, Governor

Alaska has been richly blessed in natural beauty, reflecting God’s miracle of creation. The importance of our Christian heritage to the traditions and values of our state is immeasurable. Religious holidays, festivals, and celebrations add to the cultural and spiritual mosaic of our state and nation.

The Christian faith has historically documented as a foundational influence on the inception, formation, structure, and culture of our nation. It is important that our children learn the complete history of our nation, including the historical Christian heritage, from the establishment of our nation to the present date. It is recorded in the accomplishments of such renowned individuals as Christopher Columbus, William Bradford, George Washington, John Hancock,, Abigail Adams, Noah Webster, Abraham Lincoln, and Woodrow Wilson.

The community Christian church also serves a vital function in binding folks together and providing crucial education and charitable services. Teaching future generation of our state the all important role of Christian heritage is of concern to citizens of all faiths.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Walter J. Hickel, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 21-17, 1993, as:

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK IN ALASKA

and encourage all Alaskans to reflect upon this foundation of our nation.

DATED: November 9, 1993

DONE BY Walter J. Hickel, Governor who has also authorized the seal of the State of Alaska to be affixed to this proclamation.

Alabama 1993

STATE OF ALABAMA

PROCLAMATION

BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, the Preamble to the State Constitution says, “We, the people of the State of Alabama, in order to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution and form of government for the State of Alabama;” and

WHEREAS, Benjamin Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 said, “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 toward each other;” and

WHEREAS, these and many other 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, Jim Folsom, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim, November 21-27, 1993, as

Christian Heritage Week

in Alabama.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND, and the Great Seal of the Governor’s Office at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on this the 13th day of August, 1993.

JIM FOLSOM

Illinois 1993

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 21-27, 1993, 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 twenty-fourth day of June, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three, and of the State of Illinois the one hundred and seventy-fifth.

JIM EDGAR

GOVERNOR

GEORGE H. RYAN

SECRETARY OF STATE

Missouri 1993

Office of the Governor

State of Missouri

Proclamation

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

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

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

WHEREAS, the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of Missouri guarantees religious freedom to all citizens; 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, I, MEL CARNAHAN, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, do hereby proclaim November 21-27, 1993 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in Missouri and encourage all citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the religious heritage of our great state and nation.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 3rd day of May, 1993.

MEL CARNAHAN

Governor

Attest:                 JUDITH K. MORIARTY

Secretary of State

West Virginia 1993

A Proclamation

by

Gaston Caperton

Governor of the State of West Virginia

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

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

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 guarantees religious freedom to all citizens; 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 21, 1993  – November 27, 1993, 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 First day of March, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-three and in the One Hundred Thirtieth year of the State.

Gaston Caperton

Governor

By the Governor

Ken Hechler

Secretary of State