So Help Me God

The Senate Historical Office says President Washington never said So help me God during his inauguration. Historical editor Beth Hahn says she always assumed Washington said it. And even said so in a film called So Help Me God that you can watch on the website of The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. But after some research, she decided the first time was during the inauguration of Chester Arthur during 1881. However, she does admit it was often used to end oaths of office in Washington’s day.

While it may be debatable whether the first US president concluded his presidential oath with those four words, he did mention God in his speech.

Washington began with "fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe.. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good.. 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."

He ended with "the benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication..” and asked for God's "divine blessing" for the nation.

Clergy blessings have been a part of presidential inaugurations for more than two centuries without much attention.

Atheist Michael Newdow has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent God from being mentioned during Barack Obama's inauguration.