Maine (March 15, 1820) was the 23rd State admitted to the Union. The Constitution of the State of Maine, adopted 1820, stated:
<Preamble. We the people of Maine...acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring His aid and direction...establish this Constitution.> 1820ME001
<Article I, Section 3. All men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.> 1820ME002
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1820ME001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Maine, 1820, Constitution, Preamble. Charles E. Rice, The Supreme Court and Public Prayer (New York: Fordham University Press, 1964), p. 170; "Hearings, Prayers in Public Schools and Other Matters," Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate (87th Cong., 2nd Sess.), 1962, pp. 268 et seq.
1820ME002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Maine, 1820, Constitution, Article I, Section 3. Charles E. Rice, The Supreme Court and Public Prayer (New York: Fordham University Press, 1964), p. 170; "Hearings, Prayers in Public Schools and Other Matters," Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate (87th Cong., 2nd Sess.), 1962, pp. 268 et seq.