Senate Chaplain Says Final Prayer

Senators said farewell on Friday to a longtime counselor, the Rev. Richard C. Halverson, after he offered his last prayer as Senate chaplain.

Halverson, 79, is retiring after 14 years and will be replaced by the Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, who has been pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

When Republicans took over Congress this year, there was discussion of replacing the House and Senate chaplains with volunteers. But in the end, the positions were retained.

Halverson’s annual salary was $116,000. The House chaplain earns $123,000.

Senators applauded Halverson after his final session opening prayer and then lined up to shake his hand.