The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. Richard A. Lapehn

Milton Presbyterian Church
Rittman, OH

Sponsor: Rep. Ralph Regula, (R-OH)
Date of Prayer: 06/22/2005

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, our chaplain today is the Reverend Dr. Richard LaPehn . He is a member of one of the first families of Ohio, tracing his heritage prior to 1800. And Ohio became a State, of course, in 1803. His parents, Donald and Rebecca, are both natives of Iowa, veterans of World War II, and after a career as a CPA and a homemaker, respectively, now live in Florida. His wife, Laura Miles LaPehn , is a national board certified teacher employed as an educator in Barberton, OH. Mrs. LaPehn is the daughter of Carl and Sharon Miles, a retired engineering executive and his wife a homemaker who both reside in Indianapolis, IN. Richard and Laura are the proud parents of two daughters, Samantha and Allison. Fortunately, the family is in the gallery today.

Reverend Dr. LaPehn serves as pastor to the very kind and caring members of the Milton Presbyterian Church. In addition, he serves the growing city of Rittman, OH, which, of course, is in the 16th District, as a member of the city council. That is kind of unusual for a pastor of a church to also be a member of a city council. It is my pleasure today to welcome our guest chaplain to the House.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty God, we pray for our nation and her leaders. Forgive us for allowing worthy dreams to be muted by our limited horizons. May our hope for an improved tomorrow never be dulled by the habits of today, nor visionary words be dimmed by contentment with the present. Within this House, may our elected leaders recognize the dangerous temptation to speak merely colorless sentiments that will not result in lasting goodness, justice, or peace. Without fear of political ostracism or ridicule, may our leaders speak prophetic words of truth to benefit our lives and those of generations to come.

We praise You, our God, for the blessings of life in this nation, where our representative democracy allows both shrill and faint voices to be heard.

Grant wisdom to our leaders as they chart a course for our future. May they dare to entertain valiant dreams for the betterment of their district and state, for the blessing of our nation and world. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory