Reverend Richard K. Barnard
The Chapel of the Cross
Dallas, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Michael Burgess, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 07/26/2006
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Texas is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome my pastor, Reverend Richard Kevin Barnard . I am honored that Father Barnard is here today to lead us in glory and praise of our Almighty. Reverend Barnard has served as rector of The Chapel of the Cross, a Reformed Episcopal Church, since July of 1989. He has also served Reformed Episcopal congregations in New Jersey and New York.
Before coming to The Chapel, Father Barnard was director of communications for the International Bible Society, which was then located in East Brunswick, New Jersey. In that capacity, he was a regular participant in the monthly White House Forum for Religious Organizations during the Reagan administration and represented the Bible Society at public and private events, traveling to Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Father Barnard is the author of two books and numerous articles, and is also a Past Master of the Roy Stanley Masonic Lodge in Dallas.
Before becoming a Reformed Episcopalian, the Reverend Barnard was a Baptist pastor, serving congregations in Missouri, Florida and Tennessee. He is a graduate of Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and holds a master of divinity degree from Cummins Theological Seminary, a Reformed Episcopal seminary in Summerville, South Carolina.
Father Barnard is married to the former Miss Paula Ann Henderson of Fort Worth, Texas. They have four children and two grandchildren. Their youngest son, Adam, is currently serving aboard the USS Los Angeles stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Father Barnard's gracious presence and true dedication to the work and word of Christ is an instrumental part of my life. He guides his flock diligently and challenges us to remain faithful to pursuing our walk with Christ daily. I am thankful for his leadership and his presence here today. It is truly an honor.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Blessed art thou, O Lord God, King of the Universe, who hast taught us through thy servant David that those who rule must be just. Grant to the members of this House, and to all those to whom we entrust the authority of government, the spirit of wisdom and truth. Direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of thy glory and to the safety, honor and welfare of the people; that there may be peace at home, and that we may show forth righteousness among the nations of the earth. Give to the members of this House courage, fearlessly to contend against evil and to give no place to oppression. And to the end that they, and all the people of this land, may properly use thy gift of freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice, to the glory of thy holy Name.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory