By Dan Geohagan
The Parsons Advocate
Parsons, WV- Parsons is celebrating with 126 cities, towns and villages throughout the state of West Virginia this week. Helping in identifying the Christian values and guidance that WV still carries by celebrating Christian Heritage Week. Mayor Dorothy L. Judy also attached her Mayoral Proclamation to the one sent by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Mayor Judy is one of 194 other mayors that participate in sharing this week with the state. The first Governor to endorse the proclamation was former Gov. Gaston Caperton in 1992. The proclamation sent by the Governor’s office states the many ways that God is still very much part of the West Virginian’s life.
“I think that is a very important part of our community,” said Daniel Geohagan Pastor of Parsons Presbyterian Church. “It is the very essence of our community that keeps us out of some the worldly problems we see in bigger communities. It motivates me so much as a Christian when I know that my mayor and governor still support Christ and his teachings.”
Governor Tomblin’s Proclamation identifies that the Christian influence here in WV is still very evident in her many churches and charities and various other giving gestures.
“We definitely want to continue to be part of it because our Christian heritage is so important,” Said Mayor Judy. “I am just excited that we are able to continue sharing in this week with the state.”
The state song “West Virginia Hills” even shares in the Christian identity with the lyrics, “With their summits bathed in glory, like our Prince Immanuel’s land!” This is the truth of our state and the difference of us from the rest of the Union.
“This is a heritage that our country was founded upon.” Said Pastor Philip Dent of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. “Maintaining the principles of God is very important as Christians to carry that heritage on just like in families, we have traditions we continue I think that it is just as important to carry out (this) tradition as well.”
This is the 25th consecutive proclamation sent by the Governor to the cities of West Virginia. The hope is that it continues another 25 years and many more to follow. Often times church and state stay far away from each other yet here in West Virginia we stick to our heritage.
When asked how she feels about living in a community of individuals that still identify as Christian, resident Jean Long said, “I think that is a good thing, I don’t think that we can do too much to get the Word out there. We need to be reaching people and sharing in the Word of God with those who want to hear it.”
As you take your time this week with family at the Thanksgiving table, remember to give thanks for our city, county, state and country.