Youngstown pastor to deliver opening prayer in U.S. House

By Linda Linonis

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, describes himself as a “low-key person.”

But he’ll be in the national spotlight and on C-Span when he delivers the opening prayer before the U.S. House of Representatives at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The Rev. Mr. Simon said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, mentioned the idea to him and his father, the Rev. Lonnie Simon, pastor emeritus, about a year ago. The subject came up again earlier this year, and arrangements were made through Ryan’s office, Mr. Simon said.

Mr. Simon said though he was honored by Ryan’s request to have him deliver a prayer, he “didn’t want to make a fuss about it.” Then his congregation and deacons started spreading the news. He decided to share the information, not for himself, but another reason. “I thought this would also bring some recognition to the Valley and Ohio,” Mr. Simon said.

After he gives the prayer, Mr. Simon said he understood that there would be a breakfast, photo opportunities and a tour of the Capitol.

“I had hoped to arrange a one-on-one basketball game with President Obama,” Mr. Simon said of the leader’s affinity for pick-up games. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama is out of the country.

The pastor noted there were requirements he had to follow — the prayer had to be 150 words or fewer and couldn’t be partisan, political or controversial.

“I submitted the prayer to the chaplain’s office on May 27, and it was approved,” Mr. Simon said. The chaplain’s office said it doesn’t keep statistics on the denominations and ethnic backgrounds of guest chaplains.

In part, Mr. Simon’s prayer reads, in part, “We ask your blessings upon our congressmen and women, leaders of this great nation, who you have given the chance to govern your people in the pursuit of liberty, justice and equality for all.

Bless this session, and in the midst of the many challenges our nation faces today, may your Spirit grant wisdom and give guidance in every decision that is made in this place.

“Help us to move beyond our differences and party lines to the place where we can agree to differ, resolve to love and unite to serve.”

“It’s not an opportunity for lobbying and can’t be agenda driven,” Mr. Simon said of the gist of the prayer.

Mr. Simon said he is traveling by car to the nation’s capital today with Everette Tharpe, a deacon at New Bethel, and will return Friday to the Valley.

There are offices of the chaplain in both houses of Congress. The Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin is chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives and is the first Catholic priest to serve.

Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) is the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate and was commissioned as a Navy chaplain in 1976. The offices of the chaplain for the House of Representatives and the Senate were founded in 1789.