House and Senate Chaplains: An Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 20, 2024 |
| Report Number |
R41807 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ida A. Brudnick, Analyst on the Congress |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Except for a brief period in the 1850s, the House of Representatives and Senate have had elected
chaplains since 1789. The chaplains are chosen by each chamber as individuals and not as
representatives of any religious body or denominational entity.
At the beginning of each Congress, the House chaplain is elected to a two-year term. The Senate
chaplain, like other officers of the Senate, does not have to be reelected at the beginning of a new
Congress.
The chaplains perform ceremonial, symbolic, and pastoral duties. They also coordinate the “guest chaplains” who are
frequently invited by Members to deliver the daily prayer.
Since 1789:
• 52 individuals have been elected as Senate chaplain, although 9 of these chaplains served nonconsecutive
terms. One of these individuals served three different terms across three decades. Regular turnover
characterized the early Senate chaplain elections. Longer tenures began in the late 1800s, with 14 chaplains
serving since 1893 (4 of whom died in office).
• 54 individuals have been elected as House chaplain, although 6 of these chaplains served nonconsecutive
terms. Two of these chaplains served three nonconsecutive terms across three decades. As with the Senate,
regular turnover characterized the position until the late 1800s. Since 1895, only 8 individuals have been
elected House chaplain.
• 7 individuals were elected to serve, at different times, as both House chaplain and Senate chaplain. For
some of these individuals, the service in each chamber was close in time. In contrast, the service of
Reverend William Henry Milburn—the most recent chaplain to serve in both the House and Senate—
spanned more than 50 years: he served three separate periods in the House (beginning December 22, 1845;
beginning December 7, 1853; and beginning December 7, 1885) before being elected Senate chaplain
(beginning April 6, 1893).
