Richard Christian Halverson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 60th Chaplain of the United States Senate | |
| In office 2 February 1981 – 11 March 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Edward L.R. Elson |
| Succeeded by | Lloyd John Ogilvie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1916-02-05)5 February 1916 |
| Died | 28 November 1995(1995-11-28) (aged 79) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Christian minister |
Richard Christian Halverson (6 February 1916 – 28 November 1995) was an American Presbyterianminister and author who served as the chaplain of the United States Senate.[1]
He was born inPingree, North Dakota.[2] He attendedValley City State Teacher College inValley City, North Dakota, before earning aBachelor of Science degree fromWheaton College inWheaton, Illinois, in 1939, participating in theWheaton College Men's Glee Club. He then earned aBachelor of Theology degree fromPrinceton Theological Seminary.[2] Christian educatorHenrietta Mears (1890–1963) of theFirst Presbyterian Church of Hollywood had a significant influence on his life. He became the Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian of Hollywood and was part of the Burning Hearts Fellowship along withLouis Evans, Jr.,Bill Bright,Billy Graham,Roy Rogers and others.[3]
Halverson was a minister of the formerUnited Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and served from 1958 until 1981 as the SeniorPastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, inBethesda, Maryland. He served as the 60thChaplain of the United States Senate from 2 February 1981 until 11 March 1995.[2] He was an associate of theNational Prayer Breakfast movement (sponsored by theFellowship Foundation[a]) starting in 1956 along withBill Bright andDouglas Coe. Halverson became executive director of the Fellowship Foundation in 1969 (upon the death of its prior leaderAbraham Vereide). Halverson also was a member of the Board ofWorld Vision, from 1956 to 1983, serving as chairman from 1966 to 1983.[2] He was the president of Concern Ministries, a charitable foundation inWashington, D.C.
Halverson was married on 2 February 1942 to Doris Grace Seaton (1915–2009) and they had three children.[2][4]
Halverson died (from congestive heart failure) on 28 November 1995 at Arlington Hospital inArlington Virginia at the age of 79.[5]
Halverson received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Valley City State University on 20 May 1977, and an honoraryDoctorate of Laws degree from Wheaton College. He received theTheodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award from the state of North Dakota on 26 March 1994.[6]
Halverson authored several books in the 1950s–1990s, including:
Additionally, he wrote the introduction for the following:
| Religious titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | 60th US Senate Chaplain 2 February 1981 – 11 March 1995 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
