Gaston Co. commissioners to consider placing ‘In God We Trust' on courthouse

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Gaston County commissioners want the local courthouse to don a new motto: "In God We Trust."
 
The proposal is already stirring controversy.
 
Commissioner Tracy Philbeck is a preacher.
 
"I'm proud to say that I trust in Christ. Our country has a steep history with God and honoring God," he said.
 
He said it is not about religion. His pride in his country is the reason he wants "In God We Trust" – the words most commonly printed on money – engraved over the entrance of the Gaston County courthouse.
 
He said opposition won't change his mind.
 
"They will just have to get upset," Philbeck said.
 
Philbeck said 60 years ago, Congress made the phrase the national motto and federal courts have already upheld Davidson County's effort to put the words on public buildings.
    
He and Commissioner Jason Williams drafted a resolution. He said an unnamed sign company volunteered to do the job, and no county money will be used.
 
"I look at it as a patriotic thing to do," Philbeck said.
 
The former chairman of Gaston County's Democratic Party disagrees.
 
"Our elected officials of Gaston County are missing the boat," Robert Kellogg said.
 
Kellogg said it appears to be promoting religion and clear a violation of church and state.
 
"We need to live our values and live our Christianity instead of putting it on the side of a building," Kellogg said.
   
Kellogg said commissioners should be hard at work on improving the economy, education and helping the homeless.
 
"What you really should be doing is the people's business," he said.
 
Philbeck said he will proudly present his resolution next week.

WSOC