Springfield, Illinois is the first American state capitol to have an Official Christmas Creche or Nativity Scene INSIDE of any State Capitol. Since its launch in 2008, over 15 state capitols have sought counsel from our legal counsel – The Thomas More Society of Chicago – and have placed their own Nativity Scenes every Christmas season, in their own Capitol Rotunda. The key to being constitutionally legal and permissible is that all Nativity Scene sets must be privately funded. All over systems are therefore, also allowed, if they are privately funded. Each year, the Jewish Menorah sits in the state capitol as well, in celebration of Hanukkah.  While many have mirrored the legal success, which was developed with both Thomas More AND the ACLU working together, we are the first and only one to celebrate with a fully blown Christmas-themed service.

The 12th year of this special deal kicks off with the annual music-filled service on Tuesday December 3, from noon CDT, in the Rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol on 2nd and Capitol Streets in Springfield. The event is sponsored by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, Business Men In Christ (BMIC) as well as RUBY ELECTRIC of Springfield. Speakers include Tom Brejcha, Esq., President and Chief Counsel of Thomas More Society, Chicago & SNSC Member; State Rep. Tim Butler, Springfield; Gary Pierce, Key of David Ministries, Springfield; Delbra Pratt, Illinois Prayer Caucus; Beth Rogers, SNSC member, Springfield.  Music will be led by the CALVARY CHURCH Singers of Springfield.