George Washington: 2/22/1732

George Washington was born FEBRUARY 22, 1732.

He was unanimously chosen as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, unanimously chosen as President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and unanimously chosen as the first President of the United States in 1789.

After the Declaration of Independence was read to his troops, July 9, 1776, General Washington ordered chaplains placed in each regiment, stating: "The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country."

In his Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789. Washington said: "It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe...No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of Providential agency."

After his Inauguration, President George Washington attended the "divine service" conducted by U.S Senate Chaplain Samuel Provoost in New York City's St. Paul's Chapel.

American Minute with Bill Federer