Ten Commandments Monument to Return this Spring

According to UALR Public Radio, a new monument of the Ten Commandments will be built on the Capitol lawn sometime this spring:

A new Ten Commandments monument will likely be placed at the Arkansas State Capitol in April. It’s a replacement for one destroyed last June, less than 24 hours after it was unveiled, by a driver who intentionally crashed his car into it.

Chris Powell, a spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office, says they’ve decided to wait until after the legislature wraps up the fiscal session, then a special session, so that the grounds won’t be as busy and heavy equipment can be brought in.

You may recall the Arkansas Legislature authorized the monument in 2015.

Many expect the replacement monument to include some sort of barricade or other feature to prevent it from being destroyed by another vehicle.

Meanwhile the ACLU has said it plans to file a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas as soon as the monument is built — despite the fact courts have ruled an identical monument in Texas constitutional.

Family Council Saddened at the Passing of Billy Graham

Little Rock, Ark. – On Wednesday, the Reverend Billy Graham passed away. Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Reverend Billy Graham. He was one of the most respected Christian leaders in the world. I had the opportunity to attend one of his revival meetings at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock in the late 1980’s. No one knows how many lives he touched.”

Cox said part of what set Billy Graham apart was his care for elected officials. “I’ve always admired the way Billy Graham could minister to everyday people and presidents alike. He believed our elected leaders needed God’s wisdom and our prayers. That’s something I really appreciate.”

Cox said Billy Graham was like no one else. “Maybe once in a lifetime a person steps onto the stage, and they make such an impact that no one can take their place. Billy Graham was such a person—a man without peer who simply loved God and followed Him as best he could.”

Family Council is a conservative education and research organization based in Little Rock.

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Pictures From Reception For Arkansas’ Longest Married Couple

This week, Family Council held a dessert reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock to honor the husband and wife who have been married the longest in Arkansas — and nine other couples who have been married almost as long:

1. I.B. and Ima Jewel Williams of Biscoe – 80 years, married September 4, 1937.

2. Marlin and Elsie Scott of Batesville – 79 years, married June 25, 1938.

3. Betty and Cletus Hall of Berryville – 78 years, married July 22, 1939.

4. Cleovis and Arwilda Whiteside of White Hall – 78 years, married July 24, 1939.

5. Cecil and Lois Robertson of Heber Springs – 78 years, married September 8, 1939.

6. Gussie and James Stephenson of North Little Rock – 78 years, married December 25, 1939.

7. Thell and Margie Ellison of Natural Dam – 76 years, married June 24, 1941.

8. Grady and Wilma Adcock of Hot Springs – 75 years, married July 3, 1942.

9. JC and Avanelle Merritt of Greenbrier – 75 years, married July 9, 1942.

10. ND and Anna Mae Edwards of Alma – 75 years, married October 24, 1942.

Our thanks to Governor Asa Hutchinson, First Lady Susan Hutchinson, the staff at the Governor’s Mansion, and everyone else who helped make this wonderful event possible.

You can see more photos from the reception here.

Posted by Family Council on Wednesday, February 21, 2018