Tuesday and Wednesday we participated in a pastors’ conference to expose us to the needs, battles, and victories happening in Washington. There were about 150 of us counting spouses and some church staff – like Jettie. At one of our table times there was a pastor, his wife, and their children’s ministry person. The conference was free and good! I will not be allowed to attend again unless I bring another pastor who has not yet attended.
On Tuesday evening we gathered on the 9th floor of the Hart Senate Building for a talk by Congressman Warren Davidson of Ohio (he took Boehner’s seat). Then Congressman Michael Cloud of TX talked. Because of him, we had the unique privilege to go on to the floor of the House after hours. We exited through the Hart basement and walked along the underground tram that Senators use back and forth, but we had to walk!
We moved through the Capitol and were told over and over to not loiter. The Capitol police were not overly pleased we were there (I think we were cutting into their nap time or at least their feet up time). Before entering the House chamber, we had to remove all electronics – only basic watches were allowed. Upon entrance, we could sit anywhere among the nearly 500 seats on the floor. Then we were told about the many historical features all around.
Behind the rostrum (the 3 tiered desk at the front) hangs the American Flag with the words, “In God We Trust” overhead. To either side of the Flag are Fasces, which were symbols of the Roman Republic depicting diversity, unity, and force.
Over the “In God we Trust” – up against the ceiling – is this quote of Daniel Webster (there are more Daniel Webster quotes in the Capitol than from any person):
“Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”
At that same level – just below where wall and ceiling meet – are 22 marble profiles of men who over the centuries made law or heavily influenced laws. Those to the left of the Webster quote are facing the quote and those to the right are also facing the quote. Directly opposite the quote is the lawgiver Moses, whose full face peers intently at the quote.
On either side of the Speaker’s podium are two massive paintings – to the speaker’s right is George Washington, the father of our nation, and to the left is Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette fought alongside Washington and was almost considered his son. When the war was over, he was offered thousands of acres of land but chose rather to take a bucket of soil from Bunker Hill back to his native land, France. During the French Revolution he had to flee into Austria where he was arrested and spent five years in prison. Upon release he continued to serve his France and later returned to the U.S. in 1824 to a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. [There is no other portrait of a non-American in the Capitol.]
To the Speaker’s left is a large dictionary on a pedestal. Apparently there is no dictionary in the White House for some years ago they were having a difficult time with the definition for the word “is.” Those in the House chamber could have helped.
The guide pointed out a bullet hole in one of the chairs that exists after Puerto Rican Nationalists fired shots at Representatives in 1954.
Many great, important, and sobering things have happened inside those great walls. It was a special time to sit in that hallowed hall.
a PK Musing 
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