Founding Fathers' Religious Influence

2. This series will provide the facts that will enable us to answer two questions To what degree were our founding father’s influenced by religious principles? To what degree were these principles emphatically Christian? Note: We will be presenting documented facts, documents, and quotes. We will leave it to the group to draw their own conclusions on these three questions

3. Our Foundation

4. 16th Century England The Monarchy controlled religious “freedom” by prescribing the Church of England was the rule of law. As Monarchs came and went, the Church of England moved towards & away from the Roman Catholic Church. English law prohibited so called “Dissenters” or “Non-Conformers” from worshipping in a venue other than the Church of England, and these dissidents were persecuted to varying degrees depending upon the proclivities of the reigning monarch and local authorities.1 1 American Heritage, Hillsdale College Press, p.3

5. The Pilgrims come to America An economic malaise hit the country and there was little opportunity for all areas of the economic system. Food was in short supply creating rampant unemployment and desperation. Combined with forced religion, the situation for Christians was becoming dire. Groups that wanted to leave this land of persecution included: Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics.

6. In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620 Mayflower Compact Nov 11, 1620

7. To what degree were our founding father’s influenced by religious principles? To what degree were these principles emphatically Christian?

8. Fast Forward 10 years John Winthrop (1588 – 1649), the first governor of Massachusetts wrote “A Model of Christian Charity” in 1630 as he led 1,100 Puritans to settle around present-day Boston. (10 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock) “A Model of Christian Charity” God Almighty in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission. The Reason hereof: First to hold conformity with the rest of His world, being delighted to show forth the glory of his wisdom in the variety and difference of the creatures, and the glory of His power in ordering all these differences for the preservation and good of the whole, and the glory of His greatness, that as it is the glory of princes to have many officers, so this great king will have many stewards, counting himself more honored in dispensing his gifts to man by man, than if he did it by his own immediate hands.

9. “A Model of Christian Charity” Secondly, that He might have the more occasion to manifest the work of his Spirit: first upon the wicked in moderating and restraining them, so that the rich and mighty should not eat up the poor, nor the poor and despised rise up against and shake off their yoke. Secondly, in the regenerate, in exercising His graces in them, as in the great ones, their love, mercy, gentleness, temperance etc., and in the poor and inferior sort, their faith, patience, obedience etc. Thirdly, that every man might have need of others, and from hence they might be all knit more nearly together in the bonds of brotherly affection. From hence it appears plainly that no man is made more honorable than another or more wealthy etc., out of any particular and singular respect to himself, but for the glory of his Creator and the common good of the creature, man. Therefore God still reserves the property of these gifts to Himself as Ezek. 16:17, He there calls wealth, His gold and His silver, and Prov. 3:9, He claims their service as His due, "Honor the Lord with thy riches," etc. --- All men being thus (by divine providence) ranked into two sorts, rich and poor; under the first are comprehended all such as are able to live comfortably by their own means duly improved; and all others are poor according to the former distribution. References the Holy Bible 37 more times:

10. Colony / State Constitutions Massachusetts wasn’t the only colony to have its foundation and early leaders seeking and influenced by God (Yahweh) Maryland: That, as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to him; all persons, professing the Christian religion, are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty Delaware: ART. 22. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the execution of his office, shall take the following oath, or affirmation, if conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, to wit:  " I, A B. will bear true allegiance to the Delaware State, submit to its constitution and laws, and do no act wittingly whereby the freedom thereof may be prejudiced."  And also make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: " I, A B. do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration."  And all officers shall also take an oath of office. 

11. Pennsylvania: And each member, before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe the following declaration, viz: I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine inspiration.  And no further or other religious test shall ever hereafter be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this State.  North Carolina: XXXII. That no person, who shall deny the being of God or the truth of the Protestant religion, or the divine authority either of the Old or New Testaments, or who shall hold religious principles incompatible with the freedom and safety of the State, shall be capable of holding any office or place of trust or profit in the civil department within this State. Virginia: SEC. 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore 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. 

12. Virginia Now "[Third trimester abortions are] done in cases where there may be severe deformities. There may be a fetus that's nonviable. So in this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen," Northam, a pediatric neurosurgeon, told Washington radio station WTOP. "The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother." Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam Reported by CNN January 31, 2019

13. Connecticut: THE 4th day of the 4th month, called June, 1639, all the free planters assembled together in a general meeting, to consult about settling civil government, according to GOD, and the nomination of persons that might be found, by consent of all, fittest in all respects for the foundation work of a church, which was intended to be gathered in Quinipiack. After solemn invocation of the name of GOD, in prayer for the presence and help of his spirit and grace, in those weighty businesses, they were reminded of the business where about they met, (viz.) for the establishment of such civil order as might be most pleasing unto GOD, and for the choosing the fittest men for the foundation work of a church to be gathered. For the better enabling them to discern the mind of GOD, and to agree accordingly concerning the establishment of civil order, Query III. THOSE who have desired to be received as free planters, and are settled in the plantation, with a purpose, resolution and desire, that they may be admitted into church fellowship, according to CHRIST, as soon as GOD shall fit them "hereunto, were desired to express it by holding up hands That magistrates should be men fearing GOD. 2. That the church is the company where, ordinarily, such men may be expected. 3. That they that choose them ought to be men fearing GOD

14. New Jersey: AXVIII. That no person shall ever, within this Colony, be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshipping Almighty God in a manner, agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; nor, under any presence whatever, be compelled to attend any place of worship, contrary to his own faith and judgment; nor shall any person, within this Colony … XIX. That there shall be no establishment of any one religious sect in this Province, in preference to another; and that no Protestant inhabitant of this Colony shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil right, merely on account of his religious principles; but that all persons, professing a belief in the faith of any Protestant sect. who shall demean themselves peaceably under the government, as hereby established, shall be capable of being elected into any office of profit or trust, or being a member of either branch of the Legislature, and shall fully and freely enjoy every privilege and immunity, enjoyed by others their fellow subjects. Other Examples THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA THE STATE OF GEORGIA The state of Massachusetts THE STATE OF TENNESSEE THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE The state of Ohio  THE STATE OF VERMONT THE STATE OF LOUISIANA THE STATE OF KENTUCKY The state of Indiana

15. Last but certainly not least Nebraska 1875 All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences … it shall be the duty of the Legislature to pass suitable laws to protect every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public worship, and to encourage schools and the means of instruction.

16. To what degree were our founding father’s influenced by religious principles? To what degree were these principles emphatically Christian?

17. Our Educational Heritage

18. Leviticus 25:10

19. Blackstone’s Commentary on the Law Blackstone had a tremendous impact on the American colonies. Future lawyers were trained under the tutelage of this textbook. People had access to these volumes and could grasp the importance and the outworking of common law as it had developed over the centuries. The fact that God is ultimately the source of just law (natural law) and that all men are under law was ingrained into their thinking. Charles Finney is known as being a great preacher and evangelist but before he was in ministry he was an attorney. In studying the law and in studying Blackstone’s commentary, Finney saw so many Scripture references that he bought a Bible. That began Finney’s process of studying Scripture. In studying Blackstone, he read so much of the Bible that he became a Christian and received his call to the ministry and became the great preacher, evangelist & leader of America’s Second Great Awakening of the 1800s.

20. New England Primer The New England Primer was the first textbook published in the 13 colonies, and it was the most prevalent primer in the 18th century, and was still influential into the 19th century.

21. An Alphabet of Lessons for Youth A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. B etter is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure & trouble therewith. C ome unto Christ all ye that labor and are heavy laden and he will give you rest. D o not the abominable thing which I hate saith the Lord.  E xcept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  F oolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.  G odliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.  H OLINESS becomes GOD's house forever.  I t is good for me to draw near unto GOD.  K eep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.   L iars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.  M any are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivereth them out of them all.  N ow is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.  O ut of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  P ray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly.  Q uit you like men, be strong, stand fast in the faith.  R emember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.  S eest thou a man wise in his own conceit, there is more hope of a fool than of him.  T rust in God at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him.  U pon the wicked, God shall rain an horrible tempest.  W o to the wicked, it shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him.  EXhort one another daily while it is called to day, lest any of you be hardened thro' the deceitfulness of sin.   Y oung men ye have overcome the wicked one.  Z eal hath consumed me, because thy enemies have forgotten the word of God. 

22. New England Primer Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate where into man fell ?A. The sinfulness of that estate where into man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, & the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it. Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?A. The only Redeemer of God's elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ, who being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures, and one person forever.

23. New England Primer

24. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton Harvard 1646 “Rules and Precepts adopted in 1646 included the following essentials: “Every one shall consider the main end of his life and studies to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life. Seeing the Lord giveth wisdom, every one shall seriously by prayer in secret seek wisdom of Him. Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that they be ready to give an account of their proficiency therein, both in theoretical observations of languages and logic, and in practical and spiritual truths Yale 1701: By the turn of the century Christians in the Connecticut region launched Yale as an alternative to Harvard. Many thought Harvard too far away and too expensive, Princeton 1746: Sprang up in part from the impact of the First Great Awakening. It also retained its evangelical vigor longer than any other Ivy League school. Princeton’s crest still says “Dei sub numine viget,” Latin for “Under God she flourishes.”

25. To what degree were our founding father’s influenced by religious principles? To what degree were these principles emphatically Christian?

26. Our Founding Fathers

27. Signing the Declaration of Independence … Drafted by Thomas Jefferson on July 4th, 1776 signed by 56 delegates on August 2nd , 1776

28. Our Founding Fathers … Constitutional Convention 1787 The 55 delegates who participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 are regarded as the Founding Fathers because it is this group that actually debated, drafted and signed the U.S. Constitution.

29. What influenced them to create a government unlike any other in the world at that time? Let’s see what they had to say In their own words …. • 5 of the 6 first presidents • 12 of the 55 founding fathers

30. John Hancock Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the First Governor of Massachusetts "Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us." -- History of the United States of America, Vol. II, p. 229.

31. Patrick Henry Ratifier of the US Constitution “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” --March 23, 1775 "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." --The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii. "The Bible ... is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed." --Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry, p. 402.

32. John Witherspoon Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Clergyman and President of Princeton University "While we give praise to God, the Supreme Disposer of all events, for His interposition on our behalf, let us guard against the dangerous error of trusting in, or boasting of, an arm of flesh ... If your cause is just, if your principles are pure, and if your conduct is prudent, you need not fear the multitude of opposing hosts. What follows from this? That He is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind.” "Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I scruple not to call him an enemy of his country."  --Sermon at Princeton University, "The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men," May 17, 1776.

33. Alexander Hamilton Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution "I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man." --Famous American Statesmen, p. 126.

34. Treaty of Paris Benjamin Franklin Signer of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution "Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.” "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as He left them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see.” “…that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of the world with any peculiar marks of his displeasure." --Benjamin Franklin wrote this in a letter to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University on March 9, 1790. “Introduce into public affairs the principles of Christianity and it will change the face of the world.” --Benjamin Franklin, 1774

35. John Jay First Chief Justice and the most influential writer of the constitution: “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. We need to elect Christians to office if we want to have righteous men making good laws to rule our country.” "In forming and settling my belief relative to the doctrines of Christianity, I adopted no articles from creeds but such only as, on careful examination, I found to be confirmed by the Bible." --American Statesman Series, p. 360.

36. John Jay President of the American Bible Society "By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced.” "The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement "for the sins of the whole world," and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve." --In God We Trust—The Religious Beliefs and Ideas of the American Founding Fathers, p. 379.

37. "While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." --The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.

38. George Washington Farewell Address 1796 “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, in the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

39. John Adams 2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence "Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a utopia, what a Paradise would this region be." --Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9. "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever." --Adams wrote this in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.

40. Thomas Jefferson 3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence "God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event." --Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.

41. "I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ." --The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385. "I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” --Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, 1800

42. James Madison 4th President of the United States "Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ." --America's Providential History by Stephen K. McDowell, p. 93. "Waiving the rights of conscience, not included in the surrender implied by the social state, & more or less invaded by all Religious establishments, the simple question to be decided, is whether a support of the best & purest religion, the Christian religion itself ought not, so far at least as pecuniary means are involved, to be provided for by the Government, rather than be left to the voluntary provisions of those who profess it James Madison, referring to the establishment of tax-supported denominations in Religion and Politics in the Early Republic: Jasper Adams and the Church-State Debate, Daniel L. Dreisbach, ed. (Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky, 1996), p. 117. In 1812, President Madison signed a federal bill which economically aided the Bible Society of Philadelphia in its goal of the mass distribution of the Bible.

43. John Quincy Adams 6th President of the United States “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this… it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” "The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite, and these Principles only could be intended by them in their address, or by me in my answer. And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity” "Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System." -- Excerpt from a letter to Thomas Jefferson that Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813.

44. Benjamin Rush, M.D. Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution "The gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey them in all situations!" --The Autobiography of Benjamin Rush, pp. 165-166. "Christianity is the only true and perfect religion, and that in proportion as mankind adopts its principles and obeys its precepts, they will be wise and happy." --Essays, Literary, Moral, and Philosophical, published in 1798 called “The Defense of the Bible as a school book”. "If moral precepts alone could have reformed mankind, the mission of the Son of God into all the world would have been unnecessary. The perfect morality of the gospel rests upon the doctrine which, though often controverted has never been refuted: I mean the vicarious life and death of the Son of God."--Essays, Literary, Moral, and Philosophical, published in 1798.

45. Alexis de Touqueville French Statesman, historian and philosopher sent to America to discover the key to the power that propelled us to prevail in the war with Britain "The Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other.” There is no country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America.” “The sects that exist in the United States are innumerable. They all differ in respect to the worship which is due to the Creator; but they all agree in respect to the duties which are due from man to man. Each sect adores the Deity in its own peculiar manner, but all sects preach the same moral law in the name of God. Moreover, all the sects of the United States are comprised within the great unity of Christianity, and Christian morality is everywhere the same.”

46. Alexis de Touqueville " I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers - and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce - and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution - and it was not there…. …Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

47. Where did America’s unique form of government come from • The House and the Senate would discuss what the bible said and use its ideas to make law. The idea of three branches of government originated with John Locke in his article called Two Treaties of Government. The founding fathers substantiated the idea for: • separation of powers from Jeremiah 17:9: • “The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse — who can understand it?” • They found mention of the three branches of government in Isaiah 33:22: • “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; He will save us.” • They found the idea of tax exemption for churches in Ezra 7:24: • “You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.” • They found the idea of a Republican government in Exodus 18:21: • “You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. ”

48. The Bible was important to our founding fathers. Out of fifteen thousand samples of their writings that University of Houston professors collected, they found: • 3,154 of those had a significant impact on our constitution • Of those writings, they found that the bible was quoted sixteen times more than any other source • 94% of the quotes were based on the bible • 34% came directly out of the bible • 60% used the bible to arrive at their conclusion

49. Washington Monument • Construction began in 1848, completed in 1884 (construction hiatus during 1856-1876) • Officially dedicated on February 21, 1885 • Open to the public on October 9, 1888 • Stands 555’, 5 1/8” tall • Capstone includes the saying “Laus Deo” (Latin for “Praise be to God”)

50. Monument to the Forefathers • Plymouth, Massachusetts • Construction began in 1859, completed in 1889 • Largest free-standing granite monument in the world • Featured in the film “Monumental” The monument features five figures representing: Faith (top) – holding the Holy Bible Morality – holding the Ten Commandments and the scrolls of Revelation Law Education Liberty