“In God We Trust”–Added To Wall Behind House Speaker’s Podium!

Every other Thursday on our daily radio program, “Freedom Focus,” we are privileged to have as our guest Attorney David New (a Constitutional attorney from Washington, DC). His many years of litigation and practice uniquely equip him for providing more than insightful perspectives on all that is currently happening in our nation.

Today, in a discussion regarding the Pledge of Allegiance (a case in Pennsylvania where state justices ruled that “under God” does NOT violate the law), David mentioned an interesting point that I’d never noted. On the wall behind the U.S. House of Representatives podium, the place from which every president gives his State of the Union address, are the words “In God We Trust” in gold lettering. My incorrect assumption was that those words had LONG been on that wall. However, Attorney New made the point that those words were not added to the wall until 1962.

Here’s the story! When the United States Supreme Court issued their ruling removing prayer from public school, the U.S. Congress disagreed with their decision and made their protest known by adding to the wall in the House chamber those sacred words, “In God We Trust.” The High Court decision to remove prayer was made in June. The following September, House Resolution 740 was passed, making possible the display of “In God We Trust” in the chamber. The first president to speak from that historic podium, with “In God We Trust” emblazoned behind him, was John F. Kennedy. Only one time was he privileged to deliver a State of the Union address from that sacred spot! As the world now knows, he was tragically gunned down in Dallas the following November!

So, a number of observations need to be made. In 1962, the “separation of powers” dispute between the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch was on vivid display! As well, it was the right of the Legislative arm of our government to so vehemently disagree with a Supreme Court decision that they did so in a very public and perpetual way! Most importantly, the U.S. Congress in 1962 did something from which we are reaping great benefit today! They unequivocally declared the TRUTH–for all the world, including the God of heaven, to see–that we are a nation founded upon, and dependent on, the Sovereign God of the Universe!!!

May God grant the current crop of Congressmen and Senators the same courage to clearly decree that we ARE a people who believe in, and cry out to, God for answers to the multiplicity of problems that currently afflict us! Most of all, may we desperately seek His face for forgiveness for the many personal and public offenses committed against Him and His Holy Word! Never may it be said of America, that we depend on anyone, or anything, else than the True and Living God!

Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)