Maryland's constitution had been adopted in 1776, and it required all public officeholders to make "a declaration of a belief in the Christian religion."

[1] Arguing on behalf of the change, Kennedy said, "There are few Jews in the United States.

"[2] In 1918, the Independent Order of B'rith Sholom erected a granite obelisk for Kennedy at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown, Maryland.

[1] In 1992, a plaque was installed at the Maryland State House honoring Kennedy.

[1] In 1995, the Maryland House of Delegates created a Thomas Kennedy Award, given annually to a former member of the house for personal courage and dedication to the principles of liberty and freedom.