State rep asks Parson to not 'honor pagan god,' direct commission not return Ceres to dome
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Missouri state representative has asked the governor to intervene before the statue of the Roman goddess Ceres returns to the top of the Capitol dome.
In a letter to Gov. Mike Parson, Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, cited Scripture in his request the governor direct the Capitol Commission to not return the statue atop the Capitol, where it stood for 94 years.
Moon's letter stated in part:
If we chose to erect a statue of Jesus on, or in, some state property, there would likely be an outcry from those who disagree with our choice. Those who would oppose the statue of Jesus are the same who would argue in support of placing a false god on our Capitol’s dome. Should we not stand firm in our beliefs as well by refusing to honor a pagan god?
Moon implored the governor: "We serve a mighty God and we have need for no other god(s)."
The statue was removed Nov. 15, 2018, and shipped to Chicago for remodeling and renovation. During the last year, Ceres underwent a laser cleaning treatment to safely remove contaminants while also preserving her natural color, according to the Missouri Office of Administration.
Ceres returned to Jefferson City Thursday, displayed at ground level on High Street through Monday. The statue is scheduled to be returned to the top of the Capitol dome the week of Dec. 16
The bronze statue, which stands 10 feet 4 inches tall, was originally placed atop the Missouri State Capitol building Oct. 29, 1924. According to the Missouri Secretary of State Office, Ceres was chosen to symbolize the state's great agricultural heritage.
Editor's Note: The statue is scheduled to return to the Capitol dome the week of Dec. 16, and not that day specifically, as previously written.
