Washington A Man of Prayer April 30, 2024

Federal Hall, New York City, April 30, 1789

It was a watershed day in history. Thirteen years before, on July 4, 1776, thirteen small colonies banned together and declared their independence from Great Britain.  One Revolution and several Constitutional Conventions later, a fully functioning Republic was born - complete with its newly elected leader, President George Washington.

After being sworn in on the steps of Federal Hall in New York City, President Washington, the Supreme Court justices and members of Congress walked to Saint Paul’s Chapel, the little miracle chapel that survived unscathed the attacks of 9/11, and in mass, dedicatory prayers were offered for the new Republic. The Divine Service was led by the Senate chaplain, the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost.

Washington A Man of Prayer, in its thirteenth year, is an annual re-enactment in Statuary Hall with members of Congress celebrating this inaugural day of the first president and the first act of the First Congress.