Chaplain

The chaplain is a clergyman elected by the Senate to open its daily sessions with a prayer. The chaplain is also available as an adviser and counselor to Senators, Senators' families, and congressional employees.

The inclusion of a prayer before the opening of each session of both the House and the Senate, traces its origins back to the days of the Continental Congress, and the official recommendation of Benjamin Franklin, June 28, 1787:I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel . . .

I therefore beg leave to move— that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.”

List of Senate chaplains

The website for the U.S. Senate includes the following list of past and present Senate Chaplains:

Number	Chaplain	Photo	Religion	Denomination	Appointed
1.	Samuel Provoost		Christian	Episcopal	April 25, 1789