The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Doctor Calvin Turpin

National Chaplain of the American Legion
Hollister, CA

Sponsor: Rep. Mr. Sam Farr, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 03/14/2001

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit background material on Dr. Calvin Turpin. Dr. Turpin, from my district, offered the prayer to open the House today.

Dr. Calvin C. Turpin of Hallister, CA, is a native of Illinois. He is a retired professor of religion and an administrator from Hardin Simmons University, Abilene, TX.

Dr. Turpin earned a B.A., and M.A. from Baylor University, Waco, TX; An M.A. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Bachelor of Divinity; M.R.E. (Master of Religious Education) and a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, and a Doctor of Science in Theology from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, CA.

Dr. Turpin served as Deputy Chief of Chaplains for the Civil Air Patrol. He and his wife Eudell are the parents of a son and daughter.

Dr. Turpin served in the Army during World War II and has served as a minister in Southern Baptist Churches in Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and California.

Presently he serves as National Chaplain of the American Legion (2000–2001 ).

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Our Father and our God, ruler of all nations, recognizing that this is a day that Thou hast made, we rejoice in the blessing it brings. We thank thee for giving us this great and good land for our heritage. Bless America with noble industry and successful business, productive educational institutions, and kind and gentle manners.

Spare us from violence, discord, and confusion. Grant to us the ability to preserve the liberties that come from Thee. Make of us one united people, with justice and fairness that prevails without question; that there be peace among all nations and all people. Bless President Bush. Guide those who legislate, and grant wisdom to those who judge. Help America become the greater Nation she is capable of becoming. Amen.

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