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Article
I, Section 2 of the Constitution states: "The House of Representatives
shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers."
The election
of the Rev. William Linn as Chaplain of the House on May 1, 1789,
continued the tradition established by the Continental Congresses
of each day's proceedings opening with a prayer by a chaplain. The
early Chaplains alternated duties with their Senate counterparts
on a weekly basis. The two conducted Sunday services for the Washington
community in the House Chamber every other week.
In addition
to opening proceedings with prayer, the Chaplain provides pastoral
counseling to the House community, coordinates the scheduling of
guest chaplains, and arranges memorial services for the House and
its staff. In the past, Chaplains have performed marriage and funeral
ceremonies for House members.
* From 1855 to 1861 the local clergy in the District of Columbia
conducted the opening prayer. Thereafter, the House has elected
a Chaplain at the beginning of each Congress.
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