The Pastor Who Signed the Declaration of Independence

On June 22, 1776, Presbyterian minister and educator John Witherspoon was elected to represent New Jersey in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  
 
Only days later, he would take part in one of the most important moments in American history – The signing of the Declaration of Independence.  In fact, Witherspoon was the only active clergyman to sign the Declaration.  
 
As president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, he helped shape many future leaders, including James Madison, the future Father of the Constitution.  
 
John Witherspoon believed that faith, virtue and liberty were inseparable.  His life reminds us that strong nations are built not only by soldiers and statesmen, but also by people of conviction and character.