Ed Jones, Pastor
With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.
In Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument, are displayed two words: Laus Deo.
No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there.
They are perched atop the monument, facing skyward, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two Latin words mean? Simply, they translate “Praise be to God!”
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated. It took 25 more years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the real Father of our nation, Laus Deo, “Praise be to God!”
From atop this granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. One can also easily see Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s design … a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, The Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; such separation was not, is not in the Constitution.
Please, read on.
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid, deposited within were many items including the Holy Bible. Such was the discipline, moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first resident of our unique democracy.
I am awed by George Washington’s prayer for America:
“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love MERCY, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Laus Deo!
And with apologies to the late Paul Harvey, now you know the rest of the story.
Ed Jones pastors Fellowship at the Ranch Church at Robson Ranch. This nondenominational church meets at the Robson Clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. For information, visit Fellowship’s website, www.fellowshipattheranchchurch.com.