The first Capitol Prayer given at 12.38pm on November 27, 1900, by the former Governor James P. Eagle at the ceremony for the laying of the Cornerstone of the new Arkansas State Capitol.
Oh our Heavenly Father, from whom pure and perfect gifts must come, we come into thy presence today and first of all wish to return thanks from the bottom of our hearts in the return for the innumerable blessings we have returned at thy hands.
Grant that we never forget that thy providential care is over us all the time. We ask thy blessings upon us gathered together for the purpose we are here.
We desire to invoke thy blessing upon the present Governor of this state. May he be guided by thy will and abide by thy counsel.
We ask thy blessing upon the heads of the departments of the state and that it may not only be said of this state government that it is a religious government, but that it may be in fact.
We ask thy blessing upon the incoming governor and pray that he may be guided by thy counsel.
Bless all in authority over us everywhere. We ask thy blessings upon those who have charge of construction of this building and that when it is finished their work will be so well done that there will be no criticism of it. Grant that when this magnificent structure is completed and occupied it will find an administration in keeping with truth and righteousness. We pray that when the legislature shall assemble here when this building is completed the members may have the love of God in their hearts and enact laws which will be God-honoring. May the judiciary be so well known that all will look to it for equal justice. May all eyes be turned upon this place. When a righteous government is ours the people rejoice and are glad; when a wicked government, the people mourn.
God forbid that the time shall ever come in the history of Arkansas that the wickedness shall reign here. And grant that prosperity may come to our people and they shall serve and be faithful to the ministry. Now, oh our heavenly Father, we ask thy blessings upon those in charge and that they shall so charge and acquit themselves as to reflect honor upon themselves and the state of Arkansas."
Governor Daniel W. Jones introduced the former Governor and said of Governor Eagle “who offered a most beautiful prayer and appeal for the divine blessing upon the assembled multitude and the event they gathered to celebrate.” He also said, “man should never engage in any great undertaking without asking God to bless it first.”
I received this document from the Arkansas Secretary of State's office, which is responsible for the Capitol building and grounds.
