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First Prayer in Congress, September 1774

(American Minute With Bill Federer)




"The Establishment Clause must be interpreted by reference to historical practices"-Supreme Court, Galloway "It was enough to melt a heart of stone," remarked John Adams after the First Prayer in Congress.

​The First Session of the First Continental Congress opened in September of 1774 with a prayer in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia.

America was being threatened by the most powerful monarch in the world, Britain's King George III.

​On September 7, 1774, as the Congress began, the founding fathers listened to Rev. Jacob Duche' read Psalm 35, which was the "Psalter" for the day according to the Anglican Book of Common Prayer:

"Plead my cause, Oh, Lord, with them that strive with me, fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of buckler and shield, and rise up for my help.

Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation.'

Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me." Read more


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