Topics: Christian Heritage Week

Virginia 1999

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:

THE 6THANNUAL CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia states that, “all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other”; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson and passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1786, and religious freedom is an inalienable right recognized by the Constitution of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the principles of liberty, justice and equality upon which our great Commonwealth and nation were founded, as well as the very structure of representative government, originated from the tenets of Christianity; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is the birthplace of great men of faith such as George Washington, James Madison, Patrick Henry and George Mason who, as statesmen and leaders of integrity, courageously fought to preserve and protect morality; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry proclaimed, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation as founded not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ”; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that the people of our Commonwealth recognize that the free and orderly society which we presently enjoy was established to a large extent by the faithful service of the men and women of moral integrity who preceded us;

NOW, THEREFORE, I James S. Gilmore, III, do hereby recognize March 7-13, 1999 as THE 6THANNUAL CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

James. S. Gilmore

 Governor

 Anne P. Petera

Secretary of the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania 1999

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

Governor’s Office

Proclamation 

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

February 21-27, 1999

WHEREAS, The Preamble to the Constitution of the Commonwealth 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 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 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 February 21-27, 1999, 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 January in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and twenty-third.

 

TOM RIDGE

Governor 

Rhode Island 1999

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 heir 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 as 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 21 – 27, 1999 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 21st day of November, 1999.

Lincoln Almond

Governor

James R. Langevin

Secretary of State

Ohio 1999

STATE OF OHIO

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

COLUMBUS

 RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, for over 200 years family and friends have gathered in celebration of Thanksgiving, known world-wide as “The American Custom,” to give thanks for the blessings of freedom, peace and plenty; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s first President, George Washington, issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer be observed by acknowledging with grateful heart the many signal flavors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;” and

WHEREAS, in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln renewed the tradition of proclaiming a day set aside for giving thanks, a tradition that has been followed annually ever since; and

WHEREAS, from the days of the earliest colonists to the present, the giving and receiving of thanks creates a universal bond that bridges differences between people of diverse origins and beliefs; and

WHEREAS, as we approach the year 2000, “The International Year of Thanksgiving,” it is important for all Ohioans to continue this tradition and reflect on our rich and bountiful blessings.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BOB TAFT, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby encourage all citizens to celebrate THANKSGIVING DAY by gathering in homes, places of worship, or community centers to share the spirit of goodwill and prayer, to offer sincere gratitude for our rich blessings’, and to remember our heritage built on the sound morals and strong character of the early settlers of our country.

On this 25tgh day of November, 1999

Bob Taft

Governor

Florida 1999 & 2000

Proclamation

State of Florida

Executive Department

Tallahassee

WHEREAS, the celebration of a Thanksgiving season has been a national tradition observed by the people of the United States from the days of the early settlers to the present time; and

WHEREAS, many of the great leaders of the nation, including Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln recognizes the importance of setting aside a time of thanksgiving, and Presidential proclamations have established the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving; and

WHEREAS, in 1941 Thanksgiving was established as a permanent national holiday, and the people of the United States should better understand the history of this great nation; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to give thanks to God for everyday freedoms we have and to take time to appreciate a land of plenty and a nation of vast human and natural resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Jeb Bush, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the state of Florida, do hereby proclaim Thanksgiving 1999 and Thanksgiving 2000 as

A Year of Thanksgiving

in Florida.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal if the state of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 18th day of November in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine.

Jeb Bush
Governor

Attest
Katherine Harris
Secretary of State

Colorado 1999

Honorary Proclamation 

BILL OWENS

GOVERNOR

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

OCTOBER 10-16, 1999

WHEREAS, the preamble to the Constitution of the State of Colorado states that “We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government; establish justice; insure tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Colorado;” 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

Now, Therefore, I Bill Owens, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 10-16, 1999,

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the State of Colorado.

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this twentieth day of August, 1999

Bill Owens

Governor

Gainesville, Florida 1999

City of Gainesville, Florida

Office of Mayor Paula M. DeLaney

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, our nation’s Declaration of Independence states “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…”; and

WHEREAS, the States Preamble declares: “We, the people of the States of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty—do ordain and establish this constitution.” and

WHEREAS, John Adams explained: “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” and

WHEREAS, Noah Webster wrote: “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 declared, “God who gave us life, gave us liberty”; and

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to recall the source of our freedoms and appreciate the opportunity to pursue justice, peace and prosperity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paula M. DeLaney, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Gainesville, do hereby proclaim November 21-27, 1999 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the City of Gainesville and encourage all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate, each in their own way, the heritage of our great state and nation where our motto is IN GOD WE TRUST.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official seal of the City of Gainesville, Florida, this 8thday of November, A.D., 1999.

Paula M. DeLaney

Mayor

Louisiana 1999

State of Louisiana

M.J. “Mike” Foster, Jr.

Governor

Proclamation

 WHEREAS, the Preamble to the Constitution of the state of Louisiana states that “We, the people of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the      civil, political, economic, and religious liberties we enjoy…and secure the blessings of freedom and justice to ourselves and our 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 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 Memorialand 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 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, M.J. Foster, Jr., Governor of the state of Louisiana, do proclaim the week of April 25 through May 1, 1999, as Louisiana’s fourth annual

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the state of Louisiana.

Attest By: The Governor

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 14thday of September A.D., 1999.

M. J. Foster Jr.

Governor of Louisiana

Fox McKeithen

Secretary of State

Mississippi 1999

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Mississippi states that “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, 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” (Psalms 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 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 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, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim November 21-27, 1999,  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, September 10, 1999,  in the two hundred and twenty-third year of the United States of America.

KIRK FORDICE

  GOVERNOR

Michigan 1999

 

STATE OF MICHIGAN

EXECUTIVE DECLARATION

Governor John Engler

Hereby Issues this Executive Declaration

in Observance of

November 21 – 27, 1999

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 21 – 27, 1999, 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 thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and of the Commonwealth one hundred and sixty-two.

JAMES ENGLER

Governor