[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE DEATH OF THE REVEREND DR. RICHARD C. HALVERSON

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, our long-time Senate Chaplain and dear 
friend, Dr. Richard C. Halverson, has passed away, just 8\1/2\ months 
after his retirement. He retired in March, after more than 14 years of 
distinguished service to this body. During his tenure as our Chaplain, 
Dr. Halverson proved himself over and over again not only to be a 
comforting spiritual guide, but an understanding, knowledgeable 
counselor. His ministry and support helped us immeasurably as we 
wrestled with difficult personal, political and policy issues.
  Dick Halverson was superb at arranging for guest Chaplains, thereby 
giving wide representations to the many diverse religious faiths and 
denominations in our Nation. As Chaplain, he provided pastoral services 
for Members and our staffs--in particular to staffs, policemen. Every 
conceivable person that worked in the Senate felt his influence, knew 
him as a friend. He was a tremendous help to them in their personal 
problems. His soothing countenance and understanding manner made us 
feel more at home here in Washington.
  Sworn in on February 2, 1981, the Reverend Dr. Richard Halverson was 
the 60th Senate Chaplain. A native of North Dakota, he was a graduate 
of Wheaton College and the Princeton Theological Seminary. He held 
honorary doctoral degrees from Wheaton and Gordon Colleges, and served 
churches in Kansas City, MO; Coalinga and Hollywood, CA; and for 23 
years at his last pastorate at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in 
Bethesda, MD.
  Dr. Halverson was deeply involved as an associate in the 
international prayer breakfast movement in Washington, and I had the 
personal pleasure of working directly with him on this project during 
the time he served here in the Senate. He was involved with the prayer 
breakfast for almost 40 years. He also served as chairman of the board 
of World Vision and president of Concern Ministries, and authored 
several books, including ``A Day at a Time,'' ``Be Yourself . . . and 
God's,'' ``Between Sundays,'' ``No Greater Power,'' and ``We the 
People.''
  Richard Halverson was an outstanding example of why the Senate has 
always had a chaplain. He was completely devoted to the Senate and we 
are grateful for his many years of service. We appreciate him, we will 
miss him, and we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Doris, 
his son Chris, and all their family. Dr. Halverson left his mark on 
this body, and it is not the same without him. The Senate is better for 
having had his guidance and wisdom for 14 years, and the Nation and 
world are better for having had him for all the years of his life. He 
was a true blessing.

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