one of the primary writers of our Constitution, who wrote,
“It is the duty of our Christian nation to select and prefer
Christians for their rulers.” Check out this prayer recorded
in the personal diary of George Washington, and in his own
handwriting: “Let my heart, gracious God, be so affected with
Your glory and majesty that I may ... discharge those weighty
duties which thou requirest of me ... Again, I have called on
Thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins … for the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ offered on the cross for me. Thou gavest thy Son to
die for me and hast given me assurance of my salvation.”
Or listen to this quote, “We have been assured, Sir, in the
Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they
labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this, and I also
believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in
this political building no better than the builders of Babel … I
therefore beg leave to move that henceforth, prayers imploring
the assistance of Heaven and its blessings on our deliberations
be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to
business, and that one or more clergy of the city be requested
to officiate in that service.” Benjamin Franklin, Signer of the
Constitution, Signer of the Declaration of Independence,
Governor of Pennsylvania
Many people are surprised to learn that the United States
Capitol regularly served as a church building; a practice that
began even before Congress officially moved into the build-
ing and lasted until well after the Civil War. President George
Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol in 1793, but
it was not until the end of 1800 that Congress actually moved
into the building. According to the Congressional records,
for late November of 1800, Congress spent the first few
weeks organizing the Capitol rooms, committees, locations,
etc. Then, on December 4, 1800, Congress approved the use
of the Capitol building as a church building. The approval
of the Capitol for church was given by both the House and
the Senate, with House approval being given by Speaker of
the House, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, and Senate
approval being given by the President of the Senate, Thomas
Jefferson. Interestingly, Jefferson’s approval came while he
was still officially the Vice President but after he had just
been elected President. From Jefferson through Abraham
Lincoln, many presidents attended church at the Capitol,
and it was common practice for Members of Congress to
attend those services. Christian worship services on Sunday
were also started at the Treasury Building and the War
Office. John Quincy Adams, a U. S. Senator, made frequent
references to these services. Typical of his almost weekly
“Whatsoever State among us shall continue to
make piety [respect for God] and virtue the
standard of public honor will enjoy the greatest
inward peace, the greatest national happiness,
and in every outward conflict will discover the
greatest constitutional strength.”
John Witherspoon,
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
entries are these: “Religious service is usually performed on
Sundays at the Treasury office and at the Capitol. I went both
forenoon and afternoon to the Treasury.” (October 23, 1803)
Perhaps you are at this point wondering why I as a pastor
should be concerned with politics, government, and even
American history. Here’s why: as an American pastor I enjoy
the freedom to preach the Word of God without hesitation
for fear of government rules and regulations limiting what
I can say, and I have a sacred obligation to rely on and
effectively share the true history of this great republic. I have
children and grandchildren who will either be blessed by
my actions or suffer because of my inaction. You see, these
freedoms aren’t enjoyed everywhere in the world, but only
where men are free! I believe it behooves us and those who
follow in our footsteps to be reminded of our great, godly
heritage.
Tim Throckmorton is pastor of Crossroads Church in Circleville,
Ohio. He was in retail management for 20 years. In 1996, he
began service with the Church of the Nazarene and served as
Pastor, Credentials Board Secretary, and District Secretary. He is
the vice chair of the Facility Governing Board at Star Community
Justice Center in Franklin Furnace. He writes a weekly column
for a number of newspapers in the Central and Southern Ohio
region, is the former host of Tri-State Celebration, Daystar Televi-
sion’s local affiliate in Ashland Kentucky, and has hosted Morning Show WOKE 98.3
Joy F.M. In 2010, he released a DVD project entitled Lest We Forget, which is a study
of our Godly American Heritage. His latest book, Jesus Hit Me was released in the fall
of 2013. Tim and his wife, Terri, have two children and a granddaughter.
FOOTNOTES
1. All Scripture quotations from King James Version (KJV)
2. http://www.ourchurch.com/member/s/stpaulecc/index.php?p=1_10_His-
Word
3. http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/blessed-is-the-nation-part-1-melvin-
newland-sermon-on-independence-day-59326.asp?Page=3
4. http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/one-nation-under-god-michael-luke-
sermon-on-patriotism-148953.asp?page=2
5. http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/blessed-is-the-nation-part-2-melvin-
newland-sermon-on-independence-day-59327.asp?Page=3
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