Adams County commemorating religious freedom, heritage with ‘City of Refuge’ celebration on May 10

QUINCY — In honor of the Adams County Bicentennial, the community is invited to participate in Religious Freedom and Heritage Day on Saturday, May 10.

It will be a daylong celebration of the county’s rich legacy of religious diversity and the constitutional right to freedom of belief. Anchored by the theme “City of Refuge,” the event highlights the power of faith, music and pluralism to bring communities together.

“We are proud to celebrate our bicentennial by uplifting the voices of faith across all traditions,” Nathan Seaman, chair of the Religious Freedom and Heritage Day sub-committee, said in a press release. “This event showcases the harmony that comes from unity in diversity.”

The day begins with the Religious Freedom Symposium, held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at John Wood Community College’s Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium. The symposium will feature a keynote address, “Basic Human Need: Religion and a Pluralistic Society,” followed by breakout sessions exploring topics such as:

• Religions and Faith for Young Adults, Teens, and Children
• Religion and Mental Health
• The Role of Higher Education in Supporting Faith
• Faith in the Public Square

A complimentary lunch will be provided for attendees.

Guests are invited to gather at 3:30 p.m. in Clat Adams Park at Quincy’s riverfront (Front and Hampshire) for a special interpretive sign design reveal, which is free and open to the public. The sign, titled “Mercy on the Mississippi,” will depict the story of Quincy as a “City of Refuge” and highlight its broader legacy of compassion and welcome. This 30-minute presentation previews a permanent installation to be placed at a later date.

The celebration culminates in the world premiere of the “City of Refuge” Symphony at 7:30 p.m. in the Morrison Theater at Quincy Junior High School. This musical performance, led by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, will feature a 150-voice All Faiths choir, Nauvoo Performing Missionaries and the signing of an official proclamation recognizing Adams County’s enduring commitment to religious freedom. Each of the county’s 100-plus congregations were invited to contribute singers to the All-Faiths Choir.

Seaman, who serves as event chair and composer of the “City of Refuge” Symphony, will join All-Faiths choir director Paul Shelor and Quincy Symphony conductor Bruce Briney in leading this musical experience.

Tickets are on sale now for:

• Symposium: $10
• Concert: adult-$18; senior adult-$15
• Combo symposium and concert: $25
• Tickets at the door: $25

Students 17 and under are free but they must have a ticket.

For full event details, tickets and updates, visit adamsco200.org/our-events.