Winning Abraham Lincoln essays focus on quotes to unify country and practice faith in God

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[April 22, 2015]  LINCOLN - The Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society sent out a request to over twenty grade schools in Logan County asking students to submit an essay on the topic “My Favorite Quote from Abraham Lincoln.”

Zion Lutheran School students in fifth through eighth grade took up the challenge and submitted their compositions.

Four students from the school were selected as winners. Three of the four attended the LCG&HS monthly meeting Monday evening to read their winning essays.

 

Olivia Thompson, whose composition was selected from fifth grade submissions, was most taken with Mr. Lincoln’s views on religion and faith. She pointed out that President Lincoln did not think that attending an established church was necessary for a person to profess faith in God, or to be a religious person.

Caroline Ahrends, who was not able to attend the meeting, was the seventh grade winner. Her essay was read by LCG&HS Vice-President Roseann Coers. Caroline wrote about Mr. Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech.

Noah Butler, the seventh grade winner from ZLS, was also taken by President Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech. Noah pointed out that Mr. Lincoln was very concerned a nation that was stridently divided on an issue fundamental to its existence with no hope for conciliation could lead to its downfall.

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Madeline Steiner submitted the winning composition chosen from among the ZLS eighth-graders. Madeline chose to highlight Mr. Lincoln’s second inaugural address. This speech is considered one of the seminal documents in American history. It highlighted President Lincoln’s views on reconciliation between the two warring factions of the country. Madeline especially noted the phrase “with malice toward none” section.

In other business, Bill Donath noted that the Abraham Lincoln statue is going to be mounted on the historic Logan County Courthouse square in Lincoln next week with the official dedication on May 16th. Sculpture David Seagraves and Jeff Adams, whose foundry cast the statue, will travel from northern Illinois to be in attendance.

The LCG&HS meets once a month on the third Monday at their research facility on Chicago Street at 6:30 p.m. The range of topics is always fascinating and the speakers excellent. The public is invited to attend. A guest speaker is invited to give a presentation next month on central Illinois and Lincoln history.

[Curt Fox]

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