March 15-21, 1998

North Carolina's Third Annual Christian Heritage Week High School Essay Contest was won by Sarah Elizabeth Old, an 11th grade student at the Currituck Public High School. Sarah received First Place Award for her essay entitled: The Impact of Christianity on American History. Following are some excerpts from her winning composition:

...The followers of Christianity were responsible for the formation of the United States, as well as the continuation of such beliefs in the latter years...In the 1700's the Great Awakening sparked a religious movement headed by such influential preachers as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards...Even United States money contains the imprinted words IN GOD WE TRUST, as a reflection of the foundation of the United States. Moreover, the Pledge of Allegiance portrays the viewpoint of many of the earlier leaders when setting up America with the words one nation under God...In conclusion, one might say that America was built on Christianity...Summarily, Christianity is responsible for the shaping American history.

(Copyright 1998 Christian Heritage Ministries)