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Church Inside the U.S. Capitol!
Most are unaware that the United States Capitol regularly served as a church building from the time it was being constructed in the late 1700's until well after the Civil War. It was late November 1800 that Congress first moved into the new building and on December 4, 1800, Congress approved the use of the Capitol building as a church facility.
Attendees included: Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and numerous others. Additionally, hundreds of Members of Congress worshiped at the Capitol church.
Often the church was overflowing. U. S. Representative John Quincy Adams wrote in his diary for February 28, 1841: "[T]he Hall of the House of Representatives was so excessively crowded that it was with extreme difficulty that we were enabled to obtain seats." Adams said he attended because: "I consider it as one of my public duties- as a representative of the people- to give my attendance every Sunday morning when Divine service is performed in the Hall."
Amazingly, when a new House Chamber was constructed "on December 13, 1857, the Rev. Dr. George Cummins preached before a crowd of 2,000 worshipers in the first public use of the chamber." Even more amazing is that the rostrum of the Speaker of the House was used as the preacher's pulpit; and Congress purchased the hymnals used in the service! What a far cry from the "anti-God" sentiments and manipulation that the rostrum is often used for today by certain Congressional leaders.
Many different congregations (all of which were Christian) also held their own church services inside the Capitol. In fact, at one time there were four congregations holding worship services inside the capitol each week and from 1865-1868, the First Congregational Church met in the House and had the "largest Protestant Sabbath audience then in the United States." Did you get that? The largest attended church in America met inside the United States Capitol! So much for separation of church and state!
Today let's pray that our Capitol would be used once again for God's glory. Pray that not a single word could be spoken from the rostrum that exudes anti-God verbiage. Pray that the halls of Congress would be filled with God's presence and blessings. Pray for our Congressional leaders and their families. Pray that they would have wisdom and the courage to always make the right decisions based upon the core principles of life as God designed.
Note: The photo above is the Unites States Capitol as it appeared circa 1848 when more than 2,000 people met weekly there for church.
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Today's Prayer
"Father in Heaven, you said that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34). My prayer is that you will give us righteous leaders. Father in Heaven, we have sinned in so many ways. I pray that you would grant us repentance and brokenness, cleansing and filling with your Holy Spirit. Father in Heaven, teach us the fear of the Lord. Reveal the Christ. May we stand with Israel, and pray also for her peace."
Today's prayer was written by: Alicia W. Garcia is a wife, mother, worship artist, author, television host, Bible teacher and keynote speaker with Women IN Worship.
Today's commentary was written by: Dr. Joe Savage. director, University of Mobile Center for Leadership and the twelve23 movement. |
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