The Church in the State
Church
services were held The Old House of Representatives in what is now called Statuary
Hall from 1807 to 1857. The first services in the Capitol, held when
the government moved to Washington in the fall of 1800, were conducted in the
"hall" of the House in the north wing of the building. In 1801 the House
moved to temporary quarters in the south wing, called the "Oven," which
it vacated in 1804, returning to the north wing for three years. ... The Speaker's
podium was used as the preacher's pulpit.[16]
Manasseh Cutler, In his journal dated December 23, 1804,
describes a four-hour communion service in the Treasury Building, conducted
by a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend James Laurie: "Attended worship
at the Treasury. Mr. Laurie alone. Sacrament. Full assembly. Three tables; service
very solemn; nearly four hours."[16]
Within a year of his inauguration, Jefferson began attending church services in the House of Representatives. Madison followed Jefferson's example, although unlike Jefferson, who rode on horseback to church in the Capitol, Madison came in a coach and four. . . . Preachers of every Protestant denomination appeared. (Catholic priests began officiating in 1826.) As early as January 1806 a female evangelist, Dorothy Ripley, delivered a camp meeting-style exhortation in the House to Jefferson, Vice President Aaron Burr, and a "crowded audience." Throughout his administration Jefferson permitted church services in executive branch buildings. The Gospel was also preached in the Supreme Court chambers.[16]
John
Quincy Adams, a US Senator in 1803, wrote in his diary, "Religious
Service is usually performed on Sundays at the Treasury Office and at the Capitol.
I went both forenoon and afternoon to the Treasury."[15]
Inside the Capitol, just off the rotunda, is a prayer and meditation room that was set aside by the 83rd Congress for members' use. The focal point of the room is a magnificent stained glass window depicting George Washington kneeling in prayer. Etched around him are the words from Psalm 16:1 "Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust."[17]