Public Reading of the First Prayer in Congress

On September 7, 1774, Rev. Jacob Duché delivered a rousing invocation/prayer at Carpenters’ Hall before the Founding Fathers at the First Continental Congress.

Exactly 250 years later, Carpenters’ Hall will mark this moment – which set a precedent for prayer in Congress that continues to this day – with a free public reading of the invocation.

Following the brief reading outside at 11 a.m., attendees will be welcomed into Carpenters’ Hall to explore the historic site and see two versions of a famous painting depicting Rev. Duché and the delegates in Carpenters’ Hall.

A John Adams reenactor will be on site along with several more characters in costume who will be performing short scenes relating to the First Continental Congress at 1pm and 3pm (https://www.carpentershall.org/building-independence-historical-reenactments).

This event concludes a two-part series that considers prayer and religion in American government and civic culture. On September 5, Carpenters’ Hall hosts nine faith leaders to discuss and debate this topic (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-best-and-surest-foundation-tickets-953656902467?aff=oddtdtcreator). The series helps commemorate the 250th anniversary of Carpenters’ Hall and The First Continental Congress, and the 300th anniversary of The Carpenters’ Company of The City and County of Philadelphia.