The National Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Dr. Edward L. R. Elson (1906-1993), pastor of the National Presbyterian Church (1947-1973) and Chaplain of the Senate (1969-1981), played a particularly active role in advocating for a Presbyterian program in Washington, D.C.
He served on the Advisory Council of the National Presbyterian Church, fostered spiritual relationships with elected officials (including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a member of the congregation whom Elson baptized into the faith), and enthusiastically reached out to potential donors.