Many of Jefferson’s Friends Were Clergymen
Sometimes, one is left with the impression that Thomas Jefferson had declared virtual war against any man of the cloth. He’s certainly on record for opposing a state-established church. That often became the engine for persecution against religious dissidents. Jefferson opposed that very clearly. But many of his friends were …
Some Pro-Christian Actions by Virginia Gov. Thomas Jefferson
When Thomas Jefferson was governor of Virginia, his personal faith was evident through his continuing support of Rev. Clay and the Calvinistical Reformed Church. On August 15, 1779, he recorded in his account book that he “Paid Rev. Charles Clay in consideration of parochial [i.e., church-related] services.” And on the …
VA Gov. Thomas Jefferson Calls for a Day of Prayer
The power for the Virginia government to proclaim public days of prayer in Bill #85 was applied by Jefferson while Governor of Virginia in 1779. On November 11, Governor Jefferson issued a “Proclamation for a Public Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.” The official document began: “By his Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Governour or Chief …