OKLAHOMA: GOP Gov. Mary Fallin Signs Bill Making 2010 Christian Hit State’s Official “Inspirational” Song

The Tulsa World reports:

Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill that makes MercyMe’s multi-platinum Christian song “I Can Only Imagine” the official state inspirational song of Oklahoma on Thursday.

The recognition comes at a time when the movie of the same name — which was filmed in Oklahoma — is still in theaters as a box-office success, becoming the third-biggest film shot in Oklahoma and No. 3 all-time among Hollywood music biopic films at more than $76.5 million to date.

The film is based on the true story of lead singer Bart Millard of MercyMe, which will perform June 9 at Frontier City amusement park in Oklahoma City, with an official presentation of the proclamation happening then. “When I saw the movie, I was moved by the powerful message of hope and forgiveness,” said state Rep. Randy McDaniel in a news release.

According to a list maintained by Wikipedia, most states have an official song but it appears that Oklahoma is the first to have an official Christian “inspirational” anthem.

Not incidentally, it looks like Oklahoma is also the only state with an official gospel song, with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot becoming such in 2011. That bill was also signed by Fallin.