PROVIDENCE, RI (May 4, 2009) -- The public is invited to join Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, historians and Baptists from across America at the State House this Wednesday to unveil a portrait of one of Rhode Island's earliest political and religious leaders.
The national Baptist History Preservation Society (BHPS) commissioned the painting to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of John Clarke in 1609. Clarke was one of the state's earliest English settlers, co-founded the Baptist church in this country and authored the phrase "lively experiment" to describe Rhode Island's commitment to religious liberty.
Mollis will accept the portrait on behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island. The 70 inch by 88 inch oil painting depicts Clarke accepting Rhode Island's Royal Charter from King Charles II in London in 1663. The portrait will hang outside Mollis' State House office through the end of this year.
"I am proud to join in the celebration of these historic events. This portrait commemorates deeds that have great meaning to all Rhode Islanders and to members of the Baptist Church throughout our nation," Mollis said.
The Secretary of State's office is responsible for the preservation of the Royal Charter, which is on display in a temperature-controlled security case outside the Senate Chamber on the second floor of the State House.
The Royal Charter guaranteed complete religious liberty, established a self-governing colony with total autonomy and strengthened Rhode Island's territorial claims. It served as Rhode Island's basic law until the state constitution was ratified in May 1843.
Roger Williams commissioned Clarke to secure a document from King Charles II that would both ensure religious freedom in Rhode Island and formally recognize the colony in order to protect it from encroachment by settlers in Boston and Plymouth.
Clarke passed away in 1676 and is buried in Newport. He is generally considered to have founded America's Baptist Church along with Roger Williams. The Newport church where he served until his death is now known as the United Baptist Church, John Clarke Memorial.
The Royal Charter is among thousands of historic documents preserved by the Secretary of State's office. Most of the documents, such as the handwritten, 225-year-old law freeing children of Rhode Island slaves and the 1920 “Act Extending the Right to Vote to Women Citizens,” are stored at the State Archives at 337 Westminster St., Providence.
The State Archives is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available at the In-Town Parking lot across Snow Street from the facility.
Located in Rockwell, N.C., the Baptist History Preservation Society is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Baptists through procurement of literary works of Baptist authors and restoration of historically significant sites.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.