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Having family in the Dunkirk area, I read the OBSERVER news item: “Mulholland takes oath for Fredonia Village Board” (July 22). I certainly wish Timothy Mulholland the best of good luck in serving in his new position.
I was pleased to see the accompanying picture of Mr. Mulholland reciting the Oath-of-Office with his hand upon the Holy Bible.
This is much more than a mere gesture. Placing one’s hand on a Holy Book is a tangible showing that you will honor your solemn pledges, promises, obligations and commitments to the best of your ability.
However, there is an added element: Honor or Integrity. How do onlookers know that you are sincere when you promise something? Invoking the reverent Name of Almighty God, shows that you are serious, sincere and is a form of collateral that you place your word-of-honor upon something you hold dear to your heart, or else be forsworn as a liar.
Many of our nation’s Founding Fathers were members of the ancient and honorable Masonic Fraternal Order. These were the types of men who formulated the founding governmental documents and procedures (such as Oaths-of-Office) which we see used in today’s world. In its ceremonies, the phrase “Great Architect of the Universe” is synonymous with “Almighty God” or “The Most High.” I should know, I’m a fifth-generation Freemason myself.
This is not to say that everybody who has taken an Oath has been lily-white perfect. A few people have been scoundrels and disgraced themselves.
Therefore, this oath-of-office in its origins and references, solemnly binds people to carry out weighty, serious Vows.
James A. Marples is a Longview, Texas, resident.