[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD HALVERSON

  Mr. COATS. Madam President, 60 years ago, during the holiday season 
that we are now celebrating, a young man by the name of Richard 
Halverson, fresh from the humble upbringing in North Dakota, found 
himself discouraged and lonely in Hollywood, CA--discouraged by his 
struggles to become an actor, and lonely as he was away from home 
during Christmas for the first time in his 19 years of life. It was 
then that Dick Halverson heard a call from the Lord--first, to believe 
and follow God, and then to preach the Lord's gospel and minister to 
all who had the great fortune of knowing him.
  In 1988, I was privileged to be appointed to the U.S. Senate, filling 
the vacancy created by the election of then Senator Dan Quayle to the 
Vice Presidency. Several thoughts occurred to me and my family at that 
moment, but one of the greatest was that I would have the privilege of 
serving in the same institution where Rev. Dick Halverson served as 
Chaplain. My admiration for Dr. Halverson extended then and now beyond 
the fact that we graduated from the same institution, Wheaton College. 
My respect for Dick Halverson is based on the way he lived his life 
every day in humble service to his God.
  The American public primarily saw Chaplain Halverson in the role of 
opening each Senate session with prayer. As he prepared those 
invocations each day, Pastor Halverson prayed that God would give him 
the wisdom to speak the Lord's truth in what is known as the world's 
greatest deliberative body. Without touching on specific bills or 
legislation, Dr. Halverson prayed that God would lead Members of the 
Senate in reasoned, respectful debate.
  For example, Chaplain Halverson prayed here on the Senate floor, 
``God of our fathers, if we separate morality from politics, we imperil 
our Nation and threaten self-destruction. Imperial Rome was not 
defeated by an enemy from without; it was destroyed by moral decay from 
within. Mighty God, over and over again you warned your people, Israel, 
that righteousness is essential to national health.'' Words of wisdom 
from a man of great wisdom.
  Those of us privileged to know Dr. Halverson also experienced the 
dedicated and loving service he provided away from the lights of the 
Senate floor. Washington, DC, is one of the toughest, most intense 
places anybody can live, especially for those of us who work on Capitol 
Hill. From overloaded Senate schedules to endless traffic jams, 
Washington can grind even the strongest individuals--which I think is 
one of the reasons God gave us Dick Halverson.
  Pastor Halverson used to say, ``I never try to be in a hurry.'' While 
all of us would scurry around from scheduled event to scheduled event, 
Chaplain Halverson lived that phrase, ``I never try to be in a hurry.'' 
And he slowed us down. A smile, a hand on the arm, a twinkle in his 
eye, and the words ``God bless you'' were delivered literally 
thousands, if not tens of thousands of times to Members of this body.
  While our lives can be filled with stress and strife, it was Chaplain 
Halverson who always had the time to walk back with us to our office, 
chat with us on the telephone, and when necessary counsel us through 
our deepest struggles.
  The real greatness of Dick Halverson, however, was exhibited in the 
ways that he provided this selfless service, not just to those of us 
privileged to serve as elected officials here in the U.S. Senate, but 
to all who crossed his doorstep or came upon his path. Just ask the 
Senate staffers, just ask the security guards, just ask the custodians, 
just ask the cooks in the kitchens, all of whom Dick Halverson knew on 
a first-name basis.
  For Pastor Halverson, we are created equal in the sight of God. Each 
person is equally important and equally significant. Each personal need 
conveyed to him by others was serious and substantial regardless of who 
it was who conveyed that need. Our loss is great and our prayers are 
with his surviving family.
  But for Richard Halverson this is a new day. He has left his post in 
his Nation's Government to sit in the throne room of the King. He has 
fought the good fight. He has finished the race and he kept the faith.
  Chaplain Halverson once described himself as ``a servant to the 
public servants.'' Because he served his role so well, we know today 
with confidence that Dick Halverson is hearing those loving words from 
the Lord Almighty, ``Well done, good and faithful servant.''
  I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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