Today is the Anniversary of the First Inauguration: George Washington’s Prayer and the Need to Rededicate America to God
- Ethan Justice
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
On April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City and took the very first presidential oath of office under the newly ratified United States Constitution. In that historic moment, he was not just accepting the immense responsibility of leadership—he was setting a precedent for the soul of the nation.
What happened next is a powerful and often overlooked act of reverence. After taking the oath with his hand upon the Bible, Washington led a solemn procession through the streets of New York City to St. Paul’s Chapel. There, the newly inaugurated president, the hero of the Revolution, knelt in prayer. Surrounded by members of the new government, he dedicated the fledgling republic to Almighty God.
A Nation Born in Humility and Faith
Washington’s actions were no mere formality. He understood something that many leaders today have forgotten: that liberty cannot survive without virtue, and virtue cannot thrive without faith. His walk to St. Paul’s Chapel symbolized the heart of the American experiment—a nation under God, not merely in motto but in deed.
St. Paul’s Chapel itself was a powerful backdrop for such a prayer. It stood, even then, as a reminder of God's providence. Remarkably, the church had survived the Great Fire of 1776 while much of New York City burned, as well as the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. It became a spiritual anchor, just as the Constitution would become a political one.
George Washington, in prayer, marked America's foundation not only on the rule of law and the consent of the governed but on a collective submission to divine authority. His example declared to the world that this was not to be a nation of chaos, but one where freedom would be safeguarded by moral responsibility.
A Call for Renewal as We Approach 250 Years
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, it is more important than ever that we remember and return to that foundation. America today is at a crossroads—divided, disillusioned, and in many ways disconnected from its spiritual and constitutional heritage.
We live in an age where moral relativism, historical amnesia, and outright hostility to faith are eroding the very values that made this country a beacon of hope. The Constitution is misunderstood, even maligned. Our founding fathers are dismissed rather than studied. And in the process, we risk severing the roots that nourish our liberty.
What this country needs now is not more government programs or political grandstanding—it needs another moment of national humility. A moment where leaders and citizens alike fall to their knees and, like Washington, seek divine guidance for the future of our Republic.
Reviving the Spirit of 1789
The 917 Society exists to keep alive the constitutional principles and moral clarity that shaped America. By giving every 8th grader in the country a personal copy of the Constitution, we are investing in a future where citizens understand their rights—and the responsibilities that come with them.
But beyond the classroom, we need a cultural awakening. We need to revive the spirit of 1789, where reverence for God and gratitude for liberty were the twin pillars of public life. Imagine the impact if, in 2026, Americans across the country gathered in churches, schools, and homes to pray for the nation just as Washington did. It would be more than symbolic—it would be transformative.
A Final Word
Washington once said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” That is not just advice—it is a roadmap for renewal.
As we remember this historic day—April 30, 1789—let us honor it not with nostalgia, but with action. Let us prepare for America’s 250th anniversary by recommitting ourselves, our communities, and our country to the God who made liberty possible in the first place.
Let us walk again to St. Paul’s Chapel—not just with our feet, but with our hearts.
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