Reverend F. Kenneth Hoffer
Mount Culmen Evangelical Church
East Earl, PA
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Tim Holden, (D-PA)
Date of Prayer: 05/17/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues and Father Coughlin for providing my constituent, Reverend F. Kenneth Hoffer , the opportunity to offer the opening prayer this morning in the House Chamber.
Pastor Hoffer resides in Reading, Pennsylvania, and is the pastor at the Mount Culmen Evangelical Congregational Church in East Earl, Pennsylvania. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Manheim Central High School.
Mr. Speaker, he served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1953 and went on to study theology at the Evangelical School of Theology in Myerstown, Pennsylvania.
He and his wife Anna have been married for 48 years and are the proud parents of a son, Craig, and three grandchildren.
On behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to thank Reverend Hoffer for his spiritual guidance this morning.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, Ruler of all nations, we lift our thanks for Your guidance which has preserved our nation, and for the peaceful continuity of government in America. We look gratefully to the past, thanking You that from the foundations of America You granted our forefathers courage and wisdom, as they trusted in You. By their example to lead, guide and direct, inspire this Congress whom You have entrusted leadership to serve and wage the struggle to find peace and justice in our world. For our leaders, diplomats and military, let our resources be a strength to all, regardless of race, creed, faith, age, sex or national origin. May we work together toward justice, righteousness and goodness for all peoples of all nations. We pray to You, O God.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory