Ten Commandments monument restored

SOMERSWORTH — The Ten Commandments monument once again adorns a small traffic island next to Somersworth City Hall.

The 3,000-pound monument was knocked down in August, setting off a new round of discussions as to whether or not the religious symbol violates the constitutional provision of separation of church and state.

Somersworth Public Works Director Mike Bobinsky said the monument was installed Sunday by Heritage Memorial of Sanford, Maine.

“They did an excellent job and were able to install the base and make a solid connection,” Bobinsky said. According to Bobinsky, workers used a special crane to install it and the structure has been reinforced. He said they will add additional curbing to further protect the monument.

First erected in 1958, the monument was a gift to the city from the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The group placed similar monuments nationwide during the Cold War era. Some have been removed from public property while others have survived court challenges and remain.

In discussing whether the monument should be put back, Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard said he had already been in conversation with the city manager and legal counsel about the constitutional questions. Hilliard said at the time that they had determined a plaque acknowledging the historical significance could mitigate the constitutional question.

After discussions with the full council, it was decided to put it back and turn the island into a citizen’s park, adding two flagpoles which could be used by civic groups to celebrate important events. 

On Wednesday, High Flying Flags of Greenland installed the two flagpoles and the plaque will come later. The cost to re-install the stone is being offset by donations.

“We got contributions from a wide range of groups including the Eagles and some other groups as well.” Bobinsky said.