Every U.S. Passport holder knows the Great Seal of the United States and its familiar wording, E pluribus Unum Out of Many, One. Largely designed by Charles Thomson, then secretary of the Continental Congress, and William Barton, it was first used in 1782, as the seal to authenticate certain documents issued by the federal government. 

The number 13 on the seal, referring to the 13 original colonies, is repeated several times on the Great Seal. The bald eagle holding the shield with 13 stripes has its wings outstretched. From the eagle’s perspective, it holds a bundle of 13 arrows in its left talon, and an olive branch in its right talon. Although not specified by law, the olive branch is usually depicted with 13 leaves and 13 olives. In its beak, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto E pluribus unum which is 13 letters. Over its head there appears a cloud of glory with 13 stars on a blue field. The eagle has its head turned towards the olive branch, on its right side, to symbolize a preference for peace over war.

E pluribus Unum has been a motto of the United States since the earliest days of the Republic. The colonist felt it was an important way of showing their common unity. Out of the 13 colonies, came one nation. Interesting, this is also true of America’s confession of faith. Out of 13 different religious traditions came one belief in the separation of faith and power commonly referred to as the separation of church and state. 

Throughout the summer, as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary as a nation, we will mark the Sundays with a focus on the religious traditions of each of the 13 colonies. The colonies differed greatly in tolerance and diversity. Some colonies were loyal to the Church of England and believed in taxation for supporting the church, other colonies rejected the church, and sought to find refuge from authority of the organized church. Some colonies welcomed diversity in religious convictions, while others were strictly opposed to it. Surprisingly, the founding fathers found a common support of the separation of church and state E pluribus Unum Out of Many, One.

Join us this summer as we celebrate this 250th anniversary in music, history, art and God’s Word.

Peace, Pastor Arden D. Haug