Georgia Major State Day

Sunday, July 17, 2005
Photography by Donovan Marks

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Photo 7: Representative Sanford Bishop presenting a congressional citation to Mr. T. Fredrick McKnight on behalf of the combined choirs of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Columbus and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of LaGrange in recognition of their contribution to this service and their local communities.

“In our area, I tell my colleagues in Congress we believe in God, country, work and family,” Bishop said. “Those are our values and certainly this day has represented that.” Rep. Bishop also read a proclamation signed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue celebrating ties between the state and the Cathedral community, “which graciously celebrates Georgia’s diversity and interfaith tranquility.”

As part of its ministry, as a National House of Prayer for All People, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The cathedral, where leaders of all faiths have marked special events, elevates each state in celebration with a major observance once every four years. “We were delighted to have so many Georgians of all ages gathered at the Cathedral,” said Benjamin Bradburn, the National Cathedral Association’s program manager. “Our volunteer leaders and friends from the state worked so hard to make this day happen. What a wonderful sight to see so many people together, the result of all their labor.”