1936 - Religious Freedom - R.I. Tercentenary - #777

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777 - Rhode Island Tercentenary Issue of 1936 - Williams/Bible

Cat. # 777
Design # A254
Perf 10 1/2 x 11
Unwatermarked
Denomination: 3c
Color: purple/rose violet
Date of Issue: May 4, 1936

Prices: Stamp
Single:Mint - .15
Used - .15
PB#4 - 1.10
Pair with full gutter between - Mint - 200.00

Proofs:
777P - (2) Small die, White wove - 650.00

First Day Cities:
Providence, R.I.8.00
Washington DC 2.00

Quantity Issued:
Stamps 1367,127,650
FDC's (245,400)

Purpose: This stamp commemorates the 300th Anniversary of the settlement of Rhode Island. Roger Williams
FDC Prices:
[ ] 2.00 single,Washington DC
[ ] 8.00 single, Providence, RI
[ ] -----pair [ ] ___ block of 4
[ ] _____ Plate Block of 4

Stamp Size: 0.94 inches x 1.44 inches vert.
Designed by _____________________
Subject: Statue of Roger Williams holding bible, representing religious freedom.

Text: "1636 - 1936 / Rhode Island Tercentenary / Roger Williams"

Rotary Press Printing Plates of 200 subjects in four panes of 500
Plate numbers used =

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http://courses.smsu.edu/ftm922f/williams%20statue%2090.jpg

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One of the most fascinating figures of America's formative years (the 1600's) was Roger Williams. His views mark a critical turning point in American thought and institutions. He was the first American to speak about the need for complete freedom of conscience, dissociation of church and state, and genuine political democracy. He believed in "rigid Separatism." He was banished from Salem for his views and escaped just as he was to be deported to England.He then settled in Providence and formed the first genuine democracy.

He also began the first church- seperated and conscience-free community in modern history. Williams believed government was the natural, God-given way to deal with the corrupt nature of man. But because a government cannot be trusted to know which religion is true, he believed in the protection of the freedom of all religion, along with nonreligion, from the state. His greatest gift to the colonies was his authorship of the declaration of the principle of religious liberty. Roger Williams died in 1683, around the age of 80.

Three hundred years after his banishment from Massachusetts, a monument in his honor was erected in Providence, Rhode Island. Set in a public park once part of Williams's property, it reminds Rhode Islanders of their illustrious founder and champion of religious freedom.
Marble by Franklin Simmons.Given in 1872; located in Senate connecting corridor, 2nd floor.The National Statuary Hall Collection

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