MANSFIELD — Ohio has a unique history unlike any other state. The state was the topic of discussion between a famous Founding Father and Great Awakening preacher. One area pastor with a niche for local history believes that with Congress originally dedicating the land to be used for religion, it is no wonder faith in GOD can be seen locally today by the public eye.
Pastor Paul Lintern is a local history enthusiast and coordinator of a month-long local prayer initiative called the “March for Prayer” which begins March 1st. Lintern says his prayer life for the community is fueled by his familiarity with the historic roots of the area.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“The State of Ohio really does have a rich spiritual heritage. Knowing this helps create a fervancy when I pray” says Pastor Paul Lintern. “It is important to note that in a letter dated July 2, 1756, Benjamin Franklin presented a proposal to the famous preacher George Whitefield, that they partner together to establish a Christian colony ‘in the Ohio.’ Ohio was frontier country at the time. I believe this land was dedicated for GOD’s purposes and that special calling is being played out today.”
In the letter, Franklin expressed confidence GOD would give them success in such a project, “If we undertook it with a sincere regard to his honor.”
Pastor Lintern says Franklin attended George Whitfield’s meetings and was attracted to the young, fiery revivalist. “It proved to be the beginning of a close, life-long friendship. Franklin and Whitefield became business partners with Franklin printing and distributing Whitefield’s sermons and advising him in business matters.”
“It is important to note that in a letter dated July 2, 1756, Benjamin Franklin presented a proposal to the famous preacher George Whitefield, that they partner together to establish a Christian colony ‘in the Ohio,’ which was frontier country at the time. I believe this land was dedicated for GOD’s purposes and that special calling is being played out today”
Pastor Paul Lintern
“I imagine we could do it effectually and without putting the nation at too much expense,” Franklin wrote. “What a glorious thing it would be, to settle in that fine country a large strong body of religious [Christian] and industrious people! Might it not greatly facilitate the introduction of pure religion among the heathen, if we could, by such a colony (Ohio), show them a better sample of Christians?”
Lintern says since Ben Franklin is writing to Whitefield, so there can be no doubt that ‘pure religion’ in Franklin’s mind was the evangelical revivalism that Whitefield preached throughout the Colonies.
According to Pastor Lintern, Benjamin Franklin’s vision appeared to take form in 1785, when Congress designated Section 29 of every township in Ohio as ‘Ministerial Lands’ to be donated for the support of clergy. While small specific mission grants were made in several western states, the massive land grant devoted to religion is an anomaly and evidence of Ohio’s unique experience with federal lands. With a total of 43,525 acres dedicated, Congress made no other provision for the support of religion elsewhere in the public domain las it did with Ohio.
In 1833, Congress authorized Ohio to sell its Ministerial lands. Money from the sale was invested and interest given to churches inside the township until the constitutionality of church and state partnerships were challenged in 1968. Eventually In May of 1968, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment directing any future ministerial income be used solely for educational purposes.
George Whitfield’s influence on Benjamin Franklin can be seen at the Constitutional Convention seventeen years after Whitefield’s death. When the Convention reached an impasse in 1787and was in danger of disbanding without completing its work, it was Franklin at age 81 who arose and called the convention to prayer.
Lintern believes the case could be made that Ohio’s rich spiritual heritage is manifesting today.
“I believe history will later tell us that our local area in North Central Ohio is presently going through a spiritual awakening. As Benjamin Franklin demonstrated, we must first devote our time to prayer if we are going to accomplish the special destiny GOD has given for our community.”
View the slideshow below of clergy involvement in the government and culture.
Ohio state motto at Statehouse Rotunda (Photo courtesy of screenshot) 
150 area clergymen declare 2019 as the “Year of the Bible” (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Ashland Mayor dedicates city to Jesus Christ in 2020. (Photo courtesy of screenshot) 
Bellville has nativity scene at public square in 2021 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor John Temple implements a Released Time Program and is elected to Loudonville School Board in 2021 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
89 area clergymen call for Day of Prayer for local police & raise $5,000 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Savannah hosts live nativity scene on public grounds in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Area clergy stand beside Mansfield police car with national motto in 2018 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Richland County Board Commissioners declare Richland as “God’s land” in 2020 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Area pastors report ecological shower of blessings in 2016 when they call for civil disobedience to Obama restroom mandate (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Clear Fork students gather for “See you at the Pole” prayer gathering (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Ashland has first-ever nativity scene in 2021 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Benjamin Netanyahu thanks Ohio clergy in 2021 for investing in Israel bonds (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
“Hell is real” billboard becomes landmark that makes mark in professional soccer league (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Shelby has nativity scene on public grounds in 2019(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Fire Dept. vehicle with national motto in 2021 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
117 area clergymen in 2021 defend traditional marriage & biological gender at federal & state levels (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Area pastor team up in 2019to provide framed posters with national & state mottos for every classroom in Madison School district (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Israeli Deputy Speaker of Knesset visits Ontario in 2018 to thank faith community for staunch support (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Area clergy publicly support safety services tax levy in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Congressman recognizes efforts of faith community for “Clergy Appreciation Month” (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield has first nativity scene display at Central Park in fifty-eight years in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Area pastor Robert Kurtz leads prayer invocation for State Senate (Photo courtesy of State Capital Channel)) 
Area clergy publicly support police immunity in 2021, stand with Sheriff & his dept. vehicles that have national motto (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Ontario has first-ever religious display at Marshall Park in 2021(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
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The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in 2 Chronicles, “If My people, who are called by Name, will humble themselves, pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”
