History and Thanksgiving

Many Americans who hold secular opinions of what our country ought to be would like to pretend that our history is not what it was. It would good us good to recall one aspect of that history—how our first president proclaimed a special day of Thanksgiving. Clearly, many who were present at the inception of our nation—who believed that the government should never “establish religion”—did not see an acknowledgement of their Creator as a violation of that principle.

George Washington

WHEREAS, It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;

WHEREAS, Both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God…

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be…

--George Washington - October 3, 1789

Donald Shoemaker

Chairman, Social Concerns Committee

Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches