[AndyTheBear]

A close study of public opinion at the time the amendment passed, I believe, would reveal that this obviously refers to establishing an official state religion.

Ahem, may I presume you meant "federal religion"?

The first amendment exclusively applies to the federal legislature, and mentions no restriction at all on the states.

Not saying there aren't similar clauses in state constitutions or other laws that might apply to state and local governments...its just that, contrary to popular misconception, the first amendment does not.

[Tublecane]

“Ahem, may I presume you meant ‘federal religion’?”

I often use the word “state” in the more general sense of “government.” But anyway, I do believe the First Amendment applies to the states through what is know as the “incorporation” principle. I know, the amendment clearly says, “Congress shall make no law...” It’s silly, but our courts say the fourteenth amendment forces the states to abide the same restrictions that the federal government operates under. These are the leaders we get.