Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
1848 "The First Prayer in Congress. September 1774 in Carpenters Hall Philadelphia." Historic Steel Plate Engraving
1848-Dated, Large Size Steel Plate Engraved Print titled, "The First Prayer in Congress. September 1774, in Carpenters Hall Philadelphia., After the original painting by Tompkins H. Matteson, Engraved on steel by H. S. Sadd, Published by William Pate 58 & 60 Fulton St. N.Y.," Very Fine.
This original patriotic, historical and religious based American Revolutionary War Scene is full titled: "The First Prayer in Congress. September 1774, in Carpenters Hall Philadelphia. - From the Original Picture Painted Expressly for this Engraving, Published by William Pate 58 & 60 Fulton St. N.Y." (New York City). Its black and white printed image size measures 16 3/8" x 22 5/16" (415 x 567 mm) being sharply printed on heavy white wove period art paper, the sheet measuring fully to 26" x 22". The Steel Plate was Engraved after the original Painting by Tompkins H. Matteson (1813-1884). In 1848, a magnificent painting, entitled "The First Prayer in Congress" was executed by T.H. Matheson. This work of art aptly captures the forefathers' spirit of humility and dependence on God in accomplishing their difficult task. A highly significant historical, religious oriented engraving depicting our Founding Fathers about to undertake their momentous task. Some water staining and tone is primarily visible on the outer margins. A strong central image area that is nice for display with its full text and legends sharply printed.


Tompkins Harrison Matteson was an American Painter born in Peterboro, New York, in 1813. Matteson studied at the National Academy of Design and was inspired by the works of William Sidney Mount. Matteson's paintings are known for their historical, patriotic, and religious themes. One of his most famous paintings is Justice's Court in the Back Woods. Tompkins ran a studio in New York City from 1841 to 1850. He died in Sherburne, New York, in 1884.



Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia - Site of the First Continental Congress September 5 through October 26, 1774.



On September 5, 1774, the first convening of Congress under the Articles of

Confederation took place in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia. The exquisite, federal-style

structure is designed in the shape of a cross. Upon entering the building, one is greeted

with a mosaic tile emblem and its exhortation: Honor God. The delegates actually met

in Carpenters' Hall from September 5 to October 26, 1774.



One of their first official acts was to invite Jacob Duche, rector of Christ Church,

called "the nation's church," to open the first Congress with prayer. Subsequently, he

was invited to serve as first chaplain of Congress. In opening the session, he selected,

very appropriately, Psalm 35 to be read in its entirety:



Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me:

fight against them that fight against me,

Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.

Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that

persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul:

let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

(Psalm 35: 1-4)



Following the reading, he broke out into spontaneous prayer. In corresponding with

his wife, John Adams wrote of the event: "I must confess that I never heard a better

prayer, or one so well pronounced. It filled the bosom of every man present."

This tradition of prayer in Congress continues today, each session of both House and

Senate opening with Scripture readings and prayer to Almighty God.



In 1848, a magnificent painting, entitled "The First Prayer in Congress" was executed

by T.H. Matheson. This work of art aptly captures the forefathers' spirit of humility and

dependence on God in accomplishing their difficult task. Since the 1950s the original of

this great Matheson painting which plays an important part in America's Christian

heritage for posterity, has been lost by the overseers of the Independence National

Historic Park Museum Collection.