Proclamation

By Mayor Edward M. Kuca, Jr.

Whereas, 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 Bill of Rights to the Constitution of West Virginia guarantees religious freedom; and the “Sundays excepted” provision of Article 7, Chapter 14 historically recognizes Sunday as a day of rest and worship; and

Whereas, for many West Virginians, public school days once began with a daily Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and Bible reading; and

Whereas, the state songs, The West Virginia Hills and West Virginia My Home Sweet Home, contain the lyrics, “With their summits bathed in glory, like our Prince Immanuel’s land!” and “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday,” ; and

Whereas, the influence of Christianity in West Virginia is evident by her many churches and Christian charities, ministries, missions and schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving holiday seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love they neighbor as thyself; and

Whereas, Thanksgiving week 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 history.

Now, Therefore, Be it resolved that I, Edward M. Kuca, Jr., Mayor of the City of Benwood in the Great State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 20-26, 2016 as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Mountain State and invite all citizens to join me in this observance.

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

Done at the Benwood Council Chambers, City of Benwood, State of West Virginia, this the 25^th day of October, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Sixteen, and in the One Hundred Fifty-Third year of the State.

Edward M. Kuca, Jr. (Mayor)

Attest: Judy Hunt, (City Clerk/Treasurer)