Navy chaplain named first black Senate chaplain

WASHINGTON — The chief of Navy chaplains was named June 17 as the first African-American chaplain of the U.S. Senate.

Rear Adm. Barry Black, a Seventh-day Adventist, will serve as the Senate’s 62nd chaplain, succeeding the Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, a Presbyterian who retired March 15. Black was one of three finalists for the job and was nominated by a bipartisan committee of five senators. As chaplain, Black will open the chamber in daily prayer and provide spiritual counseling to its members and 6,000 staffers.

“Admiral Black has provided spiritual guidance to thousands of servicemen and women during his 25 years of service,” said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. “We’re honored he has offered to bring his moral leadership and counsel to the United States Senate.”