For Immediate Release: Third Annual Nativity Scene To Stand In Illinois State Capitol

Springfield Nativity Scene Committee

 

904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656

(217) 314-0211

[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 18, 2010

Third Annual Nativity Scene To Stand In Illinois State Capitol Rotunda Building

SPRINGFIELD--On November 30th, 2010, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will again host a display depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.  For the third year in a row, the crèche will stand in the center of the State Capitol Rotunda Building located at South 2nd Street & East Capitol Avenue in Springfield, Illinois.

In 2008, the SNSC made history when the Sec. of State's office granted a permit to the group, allowing a Nativity Scene to go on display in the Capitol for the first time in state history.  The exhibit is the only such display to stand in a state capitol across the entire United States.  The crèche and manger scene will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution which provides for such religious expression in the public square--as long as such displays are privately-funded and temporary in nature. 

The SNSC's primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  A secondary mission of the group is to inform the public regarding the constitutionality of such expressions of faith in the public square.

The Chicago-based Thomas More Society will, once again, provide financial and legal support for the SNSC.

The Nativity Scene will be officially unveiled in a ceremony beginning at 12 Noon on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010.  Christmas carols will be performed by the combined choirs of St. Alexander Catholic Church of Villa Park.  An invocation will be given by the Rev. Bernie Lutchman of Business Men In Christ (Springfield).

Short speeches will be given by Springfield Nativity Scene Committee members, including Daniel T. Zanoza, Chairman; Thomas Brejcha, Esq., SNSC’s legal counsel and President of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society; David E. Smith, Executive Director, Illinois Family Institute; and Beth Rogers, an influential pro-family activist from Springfield.  The Master of Ceremonies for the opening day ceremony will be Julie Zanoza of Lincoln.

The Nativity scene will be on display during normal business hours from November 30th through Christmas.

For more information, please contact:

Daniel Zanoza by phone at:  (217) 314-0211 or e-mail inquiries to:   [email protected] or [email protected] 

To make a contribution to the SNSC, please make your check or money order payable to the “Springfield Nativity Scene Committee” and mail it to:  Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, 904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656.