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Rev. George Docherty
Rev. George Docherty
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George Docherty Obituary
Docherty died on Thanksgiving at his home in central Pennsylvania, according to his wife, Sue Docherty.
She said her husband of 36 years had been in failing health for about three years.
"George said he was going to live to be a hundred and he was determined," she said in a telephone interview Saturday. "It's amazing that he was with us this long."
Docherty, then pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, just blocks from the White House, gave a sermon in 1952 saying the pledge should acknowledge God.
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was unfamiliar with the pledge until he heard it recited by his 7-year-old son, Garth.
"I didn't know that the Pledge of Allegiance was, and he recited it, 'one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,'" he recalled in an interview with The Associated Press in 2004. "I came from Scotland, where we said 'God save our gracious queen,' 'God save our gracious king.' Here was the Pledge of Allegiance, and God wasn't in it at all."
There was little effect from that initial sermon, but he delivered it again on Feb. 7, 1954, after learning that President Dwight Eisenhower would be at the church.
The next day, Rep. Charles G. Oakman, R-Mich., introduced a bill to add the phrase "under God" to the pledge, and a companion bill was introduced in the Senate. Eisenhower signed the law on Flag Day that year.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
43 Entries
Arlene Dunkum
January 11, 2010
Dr. Docherty married my husband and I in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church on August 28, 1967. He did a good job as we are still married. My husband is a United Methodist Minister, now retired. I was brought up in NYA and loved Dr. Docherty. He was so special.
Jonathan Lang
November 30, 2009
What an interesting man. Your deeds still amaze me when I look to your old house when I am in town. Thank you.
charlie&bett clark
December 5, 2008
our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.love fromcharlie and bett xxxxx
How you can show support
Mercy Segura
December 4, 2008
Thank you Rev. Geo M. Docherty from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all USA American citizens growing up reciting daily the 'Pledge of Allegance' under God's presence and paradise. May you find peace and comfort to the surviving loved ones. May he Rest in Peace. Amen!
Yalonda Lawler
December 4, 2008
I pray God's comfort for the loved ones of Rev. Docherty.
May God's faithfulness to your family continue throughout eternity.
J. Gregory Griffin
December 4, 2008
My sincere condolences.
December 4, 2008
Thank you, Rev. Docherty and may God comfort your family in this time of loss. My thoughts are with your family. May you rest in peace in the arms of the Savior.
South Dakota
December 4, 2008
My sympathy goes out to the family of Rev. George Docherty and I am so grateful for his efforts in getting 'under God' into our Pledge of Allegiance. God bless him for his faithfulness.
Sharon Lamprey
December 3, 2008
God bless your family in this time of mourning. Thank you for your work in getting "under God" put in our pledge of allegience.
SHEILA SMITH
December 3, 2008
Thank you and God bless.
Stephanie
December 2, 2008
May God be with you and your family.
Cheryl Cohen
December 2, 2008
I am saddened to learn of the loss of Rev. Docherty but, as a Christian, I am thankful for his contribution to the Pledge Of Allegiance.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant..." (Matthew 25:23)
Cindy
December 2, 2008
Thank you for putting the phrase "Under God" in our pledge. It was fitting and appropriate and we will work hard to keep it in its proper place. Condolences to your loved ones and may God be with you, Mr. Docherty.
Pauline Hicks
December 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Billy Hydeman
December 1, 2008
"One Nation, Under God'" What a beautiful addition to our pledge. Thank You Reverend George Docherty. God Bless you and God Bless America.
alma renner
December 1, 2008
One nation under God- important now more than ever before..
Thank you God bless.
connie
December 1, 2008
R.I.P
Thanks for putting the phrase"Under GOD "In the allegiance.
Harry Simpson
December 1, 2008
Well done, good reverend. Well done.
PATRICIA SMITH
December 1, 2008
May God be with you in the days ahead and may you find peace and comfort in the accomplishments of Rev. George Docherty for GOD.
Michelle Mcclennon
December 1, 2008
Thank You for letting the world know that GOD should always be acknowledged in everthing we say and do....
Caroline Pritchett
December 1, 2008
How many lives were touched by the preaching and writing of Reverend Docherty. We are grateful.
I offer condolences from the Emerson Smith family formerly of NY Presbyterian Church, Caroline Pritchett
Ursula Mahoney
December 1, 2008
Thank you!!!
Angela Lee
December 1, 2008
Bless the legacy you have left us. Thank God for giving you the call to remind our country that God leads the USA.
Michael McDaris
December 1, 2008
It just goes to show that this country can be swayed toward good or evil. It depends on who is influencing who. A powerful word from your husband influenced the President of the United States at that time and more of us need to be speaking God's word as he has commanded us because we don't know who is listening. It's those who are called to speak his truth and its God who touches the heart of Man. Thank you God for this man and his wife. Many condolences and prayers to the family on this loss.
Rev. Valentine Vit
December 1, 2008
Psalms 91:14-16 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.(KJV)
joann lawson
November 30, 2008
to the docherty family, i am so sorry to hear that your husband has passed away. he did us great in the u.s.a , by passing that bill that says under god in the pledge of allegiance. i truly love to say the pledge of allegiance in school. may god be with you at this sad time.
JoAnn Baker
November 30, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Susan Thornhill
November 30, 2008
May God be with you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You!
Valerie Chappel
November 30, 2008
Dear Sue and family,
Our prayers are with you at this time of great loss.
We had lost track of you and are delighted to know that George lived such a full, happy and healthy life. You will all miss him. He was the best friend my father ever had! You were so good for him, Sue. I am Roddie and Jean Macdonald's daughter. [email protected]
RON AND MARY ANN FLOYD
November 30, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 30, 2008
G-D HAS JUST RECEIVED A WONDERFUL MAN INTO HEAVEN. THANK YOU REV. DOCHERTY FOR KEEPING G-D IN OUR LIVES IN ALL WAYS POSSIBLE. REST WELL, SIR.
From the south and everywhere in God's world
November 30, 2008
We All thank you My you go and rest now,for you loving work here is done,with a sad heart we will miss you always
Glenda Griffith
November 30, 2008
Thank God for this Godly man!!! He will have his special place at the right hand of God!!! Glenda Griffith, Water Valley, Ms
O. Cooper
November 30, 2008
To the Docherty Family. My sincere sympathy goes out to you and yours. The phrase that your loved one introduced to the pledge caught my eye. It made me realize that he truly believed that only God could bring about 'one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,' That was not merely a dream of his, it can and will be established under God's Kingdom or (Government). God promises: "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people..." ) Under God's heavenly Kingdom, true peace and security will permanently come to this earth. Then, and only then, will genuine liberty, justice, equality, and international brotherhood be realized throughout the earth. What a wonderful promise of a united government under God's Kingdom. May the scriptures continue to bring you comfort.
Henryk Zaleski
November 30, 2008
Rest in peace Pastor Dochtery.
Owen Ireland
November 30, 2008
While spending several months in Scotland in 1984, on a whim I called him. He was very gracious and I remember him since I am a retired Presbyterian Minister.
Thomas Widgeon
November 30, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!!
Gary L. Dobbins
November 30, 2008
I did not know this great man,but I'am so proud that Mr. Docherty was responsible for including our wonderful God in the pledge!Some people do not give God enough credit,after all God is the source of things being possible.God bless all of the family and best wishes.God will take care of you!
D. ZIMMERMAN
November 29, 2008
REST IN PEACE GEORGE DOCHERTY
Linda Colfield
November 29, 2008
I am so thankful Rev. Docherty was able to push Congress to have "under God' added to our Pledge of Alliegance. I cannot imagine those words not being part it. I'm sure Rev. Docherty was a blessing to all people who had the privilege of knowing him and hearing his sermons. And I want his family to know his influence touched millions he would never know. May God keep you in his care always and give you his peace.
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