MAYORAL PROCLAMATION

In harmony with

Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia

as proclaimed by Governor Bob Wise

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving week marks the fourth consecutive year Governor Wise has proclaimed  Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia; honoring a thirteen year tradition beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

 WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide observance; being the most popular and most requested proclamation according to the Office of the Governor; and,

 WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

 WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity upon West Virginia communities is evident by their many churches, Christian schools and missions; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving holiday seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love they neighbor as thyself; and,  

 WHEREAS, preachers at local churches are encouraged to celebrate Christian Heritage Week with relevant Sunday School lessons, sermons, readings of the proclamations, youth programs, patriotic song services and prayer;

 NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 21-27, 2004, is hereby proclaimed as:

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the

City of Bluefield, West Virginia

and I invite all citizens to join in this local event each in their own way.

Robert E. Perkinson, Jr., Mayor November 9, 2004