JONESBORO — On July 1, 2006 Governor Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law that permits local governments to erect historical displays that include a copy of the Ten Commandments.

The purpose of the nine-piece historical display is to inform or remind citizens of the nation’s heritage and founding principles.

One year and two days after HB 941 was signed into law First Baptist Church of Jonesboro presented the nine documents to the Clayton County commissioners, who voted unanimously to receive them. Last week, Sept. 20, Clayton County became the first to display and dedicate all nine of the historical documents in a county courthouse.

The first display went up in Odum in June of this year. Hartwell quickly followed suit as the second municipality to post the historical documents and the first to place them in a city hall.

Clayton County Commissioner Michael Edmondson was present for the dedication at the Harold R. Banke Justice Center and boasted, “I am proud to be standing here today on this historic occasion. The Ten Commandments and all these historic documents represent the very basis upon which this nation was founded.”

Henry Garner, representing Jonesboro’s First Baptist Church, was the featured speaker for the dedication ceremony and carefully outlined the significance of each document in the “Foundations of American Law and Government Display” and listed them in chronological order: The Ten Commandments, the description on the image of Lady Justice, the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the National Motto, the Preamble to the Georgia Constitution, and the Star Spangled Banner.

Garner explained, “We are living in a time when it seems that many have little knowledge of what our founding fathers envisioned when they came to America. They wanted a country where they could freely worship and profess their faith without fear of persecution.

 

Foundation of history

“On these walls are nine historical documents that laid out the foundation for the laws that are used to govern this great county.”

Mike Griffin, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Hartwell and executive director of Ten Commandments Georgia remarked, “I was blessed to be present for this significant occasion. I have never heard County commissioners speak with greater passion, conviction, and boldness about the rights and responsibilities of citizens and government.

“Commissioner Eldrin Bell quoted Romans 12:1-2 and emphatically stated that we need to be in the mind transforming business. He explained that jurors will see the display and have their minds filled with truth.”

Dean Haun, pastor of FBC Jonesboro, stated, “These documents have been strategically placed in the hallway to the jury assembly room where jurors are selected. Surely, this display of our values and ethical principles will influence all future jurors.

“I am praying that God will use the example of the Clayton County Commissioners to inspire others to publicly post these documents,” Haun continued, “because we must remember these foundational historical principles and never forget the primary values upon which this nation was founded.”

Mike Griffin exhorts, “This is a great time for private citizens, churches, civic clubs, and organizations to purchase these documents and present them for approval to their local governing boards, commissions, and councils.

Ten Commandments Georgia has beautifully designed to legal specifications the nine-piece historical display. You may view these unique designs by logging onto: www.thoushalt.org.