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Obamas Head to Church

Prez-elect follows presidential tradition

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 20, 2009 8:24 AM CST
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(AP) – As massive crowds swarmed the National Mall to witness Barack Obama's inauguration as president, the man at the center of the maelstrom began the day with his wife at a private service at St. John’s Episcopal Church across the street from the White House, a tradition for those about to become president. The family of Joe Biden also attended. Barack and Michelle Obama, the latter clad in an Isabel Toledo dress and coat, waved to bystanders, then entered the church to applause from about 200 people.

The choir and congregation began singing the hymn "O God Our Help in Ages Past." The Rev. Luis Leon welcomed the Obamas and said every president since James Madison has worshiped at the church at least once, "some of them kicking and screaming." Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr, of Los Angeles, drew chuckles when he blessed the Obamas and asked that "they may finish these two terms in office" stronger than they are now.

Journalists gather in a camera stand at the US Capitol in Washington, early Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, as they wait for the inauguration.
Journalists gather in a camera stand at the US Capitol in Washington, early Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, as they wait for the inauguration.   (Elise Amendola)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama leave the Blair House before going to a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama leave the Blair House before going to a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are welcomed by Rev. Luis Leon as the arrive for church at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are welcomed by Rev. Luis Leon as the arrive for church at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrive for church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrive for church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President-elect Barack Obama says goodbye to Rev. Luis Leon as he walks out of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama says goodbye to Rev. Luis Leon as he walks out of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Jan 26, 2009 3:30 AM CST
So, what if any, does the above comments have to do about the article? It discusses the Obamas going to church
Guest
Jan 19, 2009 9:56 PM CST
Is coverage of Michelle Obama going to be reduced to what designer she's wearing?
DavoMax
Jan 19, 2009 8:27 PM CST
Anybody want to take my bet that Jeremiah Wright won't be officiating?

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.


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