SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8694

By Senators Stevens, Haugen, Patterson, T. Sheldon, Johnson, Sellar, Hale, Spanel, Strannigan, Fairley, Swecker, Long, Schow, Oke, Bauer, Finkbeiner, Rasmussen, Roach, Hochstatter, Wood, Goings, Hargrove, Rossi, Zarelli, Heavey, Benton and Anderson

     WHEREAS, Governor Gary Locke proclaimed October 19 through October 25, 1997, Christian Heritage Week in Washington State; and

     WHEREAS, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman made significant historical contributions to the establishment of the State of Washington and contributions to the growth and development of the free exercise of religion in the United States, specifically in the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, In 1836 Marcus and Narcissa Whitman risked their lives, traveling more than three thousand miles in six months over harsh terrain to reach the Pacific Northwest and establish a Christian mission; and

     WHEREAS, In the face of financial adversity, Marcus Whitman, enduring the elements, crossed the United States again to petition against the cancellation of his Washington mission; and

     WHEREAS, After securing the necessary capital resources, Marcus Whitman not only risked his life to return to the Pacific Northwest but also led over one thousand settlers in the Great Migration of 1843, setting the stage for further colonization of the West; and

     WHEREAS, After Marcus Whitman returned, he and Narcissa Whitman sacrificed their lives in defending their mission and Christian beliefs while under attack; and

     WHEREAS, Through their sacrifice, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman convinced the United States Congress to form the Oregon territory, thus founding the first territory west of the Rocky Mountains and establishing the foundation for the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman sacrificed in the name of Christianity to lay the foundation for our great State; and

     WHEREAS, It is appropriate to highlight the historic achievement and recognize the contributions of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman to the State of Washington;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize and honor the contributions of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman in establishing the foundation for the State of Washington and fostering the free exercise of religion in the United States; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Christian Heritage Week is the appropriate occasion to honor such Washington heroes and will be so again in 1998.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8694,

adopted by the Senate March 12, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate