WHEREAS, James Edward Oglethorpe was elected to Parliament, where he successfully led a humanitarian movement for the founding of a new British colony in America as a home for England's worthy poor; and

WHEREAS, on April 17, 1732, King George II signed a charter creating the new colony of Georgia and naming James Edward Oglethorpe as one of 21 trustees for the colony; and

WHEREAS, James Edward Oglethorpe personally led the first shipload of colonists to settle in Georgia, arriving in 1733; and

WHEREAS, James Edward Oglethorpe chose the site and laid out the plan for Savannah, Georgia's first settlement, and in 1736 for the town and fort of Augusta; and

WHEREAS, James Edward Oglethorpe was responsible for the defense of Georgia, successfully repelling a Spanish invasion force on St. Simons island in 1742, thus ensuring Georgia's future as a British colony and, ultimately, as a member of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, 1996 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Georgia's founder and defender, and it is only fitting and proper that Georgia recognize and honor its founder on this historic occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there is created the James Edward Oglethorpe Tercentenary Commission to be composed of 20 members as provided in this resolution. The following persons shall serve ex officio as members of the commission: the president of Oglethorpe University; the chairperson of the Oglethorpe County Commission; the mayors of the Cities of Oglethorpe, Fort Oglethorpe, and Savannah; the chairperson-mayor of Augusta-Richmond County; the president of the Georgia Historical Society; and the executive secretary of the Friends of Oglethorpe, who shall serve as executive secretary of the commission. Ex officio members may name a designee to serve in their places or in their absence. The remaining 12 members of the commission shall be appointed as follows: eight members of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be designated chairperson of the commission; two members by the Speaker of the House; and two members by the president of the Senate. These 12 members of the commission may include officials or representatives of public or private organizations, businesses, schools, or sites bearing the Oglethorpe name. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointments were made.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it shall be the duty of the commission to plan, coordinate, encourage, and conduct an observance of the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Edward Oglethorpe throughout 1996. Such observances may include official, unofficial, cultural, historical, educational, charitable, and other activities and projects designed to promote a proper awareness and appreciation for Georgia's founder. Furthermore, the commission is directed to coordinate commemorative activities undertaken by the State of Georgia or by organizations, educational institutions, or private citizens within the state in conjunction with those that may be conducted by public officials, organizations, educational institutions, or private citizens in London, Godalming, Oxford, Cranham, or any other site in Great Britain associated with the life or death of James Edward Oglethorpe.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission is authorized and empowered to accept grants or gifts from any level of government; from any board, commission, or other unit of government; from any public corporation or authority; from any organization, public or private; from any business; from any group; or from any individual. The commission shall be further empowered to hold, invest, reinvest, and disburse such grants and gifts and any income derived therefrom in carrying out the objectives and purposes of the commission and shall not be required to pay such grants and gifts or income into the general fund of the state treasury. The commission shall be further authorized to adopt such rules and regulations and perform such other activities as necessary or appropriate for carrying out its purposes and duties.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the James Edward Oglethorpe Tercentenary Commission is further authorized to have printed or reprinted portraits or biographies of Georgia's founder, General James Edward Oglethorpe, and to take such other commemorative steps that will promote the knowledge of and appreciation for the contributions of General James Edward Oglethorpe throughout the State of Georgia. The commission may expend any and all remaining funds for said purposes as enumerated in this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall hold its initial meeting not later than July 1, 1996, and may hold such additional meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers and duties.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their service and shall not receive any reimbursement of expenses; provided, however, that to the extent that sufficient grants, gifts, and other income is received, members of the commission may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred during their service, such reimbursement not to exceed the allowances authorized for members of state boards.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the James Edward Oglethorpe Tercentenary Commission shall stand abolished on March 31, 1997.