[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD HALVERSON

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, when Dr. Richard Halverson became Chaplain 
of the U.S. Senate in 1981, an article by a writer in Chicago suggested 
that the Chaplain's job was an easy one, as his only responsibility was 
to pray at the beginning of each session.
  Now, as Dr. Halverson prepares to leave the Chaplain's Office, I want 
to thank him for proving the total and complete inaccuracy of that 
article.
  Dr. Halverson may be known to C-SPAN viewers as the man who begins 
our sessions. But to Senators, their families, and to Senate staff 
members, Capitol Police and security officers, elevator and subway 
operators, restaurant personnel, and the others who work for the 
Senate, his job responsibilities are endless.
  He is a counselor and a friend, who is there for all of us in times 
of joy or in times of sorrow.
  He is a scholar, who has helped many to a better understanding of the 
Bible, and of the moral and ethical implications of political issues.
  He is an ambassador of the Senate, responding to thousands of 
letters, and speaking to countless organizations and audiences about 
the challenges we face.
  And he is also a humanitarian, who maintains a prison ministry which 
he began many years ago.
  Our colleague, Senator Mark Hatfield, is a student of the history of 
the Office of the Chaplain, and he has correctly concluded that Dr. 
Halverson did more than just service in that office--he transformed it.
  Dr. Halverson is now 78 years young. And although Senator Thurmond 
regards him as someone who is far too young to retire, he has more than 
earned the right to spend more time with his wife and family.
  I know that all Members of the Senate family join me in thanking this 
good and faithful man for a job well done, and in wishing him many more 
years of happiness.
  Mr. MITCHELL addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is recognized.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, I had previously made a statement about 
Reverend Halverson. But I wanted to join with my friend and colleague, 
Senator Dole, in again acknowledging the service to the Senate and to 
its Members by Dr. Halverson. He has served the Senate long and well 
and will leave behind him a record of spiritual service that will long 
be remembered. I know that I can speak for every Member of the Senate 
from our side, as Senator Dole has spoken for his colleagues, in 
wishing our beloved Reverend the very best in his retirement.
  Mr. DOLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader.

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