Apologetic billboard replaces atheistic sign

By ROSCOE BARNES III

An atheist-sponsored billboard that went up along U.S. 30 during the Christmas holiday has been replaced by a new sign with an apology from the billboard company.

The new sign, located near Sunnyway Foods and Warm Spring Road, has the message, "In God We Trust: Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising LLC.." Underneath are the words: "The previous sign posted at this location does not reflect the values or morals of our company. Thank you."

Dusky A. Chilcote, senior account executive for Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising, Chambersburg, said the sign was posted Monday as the older sign, with the words, "Imagine No Religion," was being removed.

"We received only a couple of negative calls about the (first sign)," Chilcote said on Monday. "We were concerned about the impact of how people see our company."

Chilcote, a Christian, said she was personally hurt by the deception of the sponsor, who allegedly led her to believe the sign was presented by a local church.

She said in December that the sponsor of the billboard had contacted her and said "their desire was that people would have the freedom to walk into any church they choose."

The sign in question included the Freedom From Religion Foundation's name and its Web site. FFRF is a national, nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. It has about 12,000 members and supporters, it is considered the "largest group of atheists and agnostics in North America," according to its Web site.

The group works to protect the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, among other things. A FFRF press release stated the sign on Radio Hill was sponsored by a local FFRF member who wanted to remain anonymous.

The sign is now posted on a billboard south of Chambersburg along U.S. 11.

The billboard is part of a campaign that the foundation launched in the fall. It began with a "Beware of Dogma" billboard in Madison.

"Our goal is to place a free-thinking billboard somewhere in every state," said Annie Laurie Gaylor, foundation co-president.