On April 30, 1789, the very first United States Presidential Inauguration occurred. This event was significant for the precedents established and the role religion held throughout. Newspapers outlined the first event of the Inauguration Day activities in New York City (which was then serving as the nation’s capitol):
[O]n the morning of the day on which our illustrious President will be invested with his office, the bells will ring at nine o’clock, when the people may go up to the house of God and in a solemn manner commit the new government, with its important train of consequences, to the holy protection and blessing of the Most High.
George Washington, John Adams, members of Congress, and other officials made their way to Federal Hall where a large crowd awaited. Washington then took his oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall. A witness recounted the feelings of the attendees at this historical occasion:
It would seem extraordinary, that the administration of an oath, a ceremony so very common and familiar, should in so great a degree excite the public curiosity. But the circumstances of his election—the impression of his past services—the concourse of spectators—the devout fervency with which he repeated the oath—and the reverential manner in which he bowed down and kissed the sacred volume—all these conspired to render it one of the most august and interesting spectacle ever exhibited on this globe. It seemed, from the number of witnesses, to be a solemn appeal to Heaven and earth at once.
Next was Washington’s Inaugural Address to both houses of Congress in the Senate Chamber. In this address, he noted:
it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being Who rules over the universe, Who presides in the councils of nations, and Whose providential aids can supply every human defect—that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes.
After Washington’s address, the officials attended church services at St. Paul’s Chapel and adjourned for the day.
The first Inauguration 233 years ago is an example of the role religion had in the important events in American history!
