My journey this week takes me to Presidents Day, when we recognize the birthday of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and sometimes all the other presidents. When U.S. presidents are sworn into office on Inauguration Day, they typically take their oath on the Bible. The U.S. Constitution only says the president elect must swear or affirm the Presidential Oath of Office; it doesn’t mention the Bible or another book. George Washington took the oath of office on a King James Masonic Lodge altar Bible and established a tradition. Here are some of the known verses from, select presidents, per records of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies as worded in the King James Bible.
George Washington in 1789:
“Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.” Genesis 49:13
