James Buchanan (1791-1868): America’s only bachelor president

It helps to know about the faith of former American leaders such as the faith of our 15th president, James Buchanan. He served as a U.S. congressman for five terms and as a U.S. senator for 10 years from his home state of Pennsylvania. Before his presidency, he also served as minister to Russia, minister to Great Britain and then as Secretary of State for America’s 14th president, Franklin Pierce. 

James Buchanan, 1791-1868, was America’s only bachelor president. His fiancee broke off their engagement and then she died while he was still a young man. He entered the White House a bachelor and never married although he had a number of female suitors who would have liked to have married him. 

What about his faith? The following are statements from this president that reveal his faith: 

Here are words from his inaugural address on March 4, 1857: “In entering upon this great office, I must humbly invoke the God of our fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and responsible duties.” (“America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotation,” p.79).

In a letter to his brother dated Feb. 29, 1844, he wrote this: “I am believer; but not with that degree of firmness of faith calculated to exercise a controlling influence on my conduct. I ought constantly to pray, ‘Help Thou my unbelief.’ I trust that the Almightly Father, through merits and atonement of His Son, will yet vouchsafe to me a clearer and stronger faith than I possess.” 

Near the end of his earthly life, he wrote this concerning his faith: “We are both at a period of life when it is our duty to relax our grasp on the world fast receding, and fix our thoughts, desires and affections on One who knows no change. I trust in God that, through the merits and atonement of His Son, we may both be prepared for the inevitable change.” 

War clouds were gathering in America during his one-term presidency (1857-1861) as a tall gentleman from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln was sworn in in 1861 as America’s 16th president. 

Many of America’s past national leaders were persons of faith, especially of the Judeo-Christian faith. No, they were not perfect, and they, like all of us, had their weaknesses. And yet, they were aiming in the right direction, and we are the recipients of this heritage of faith. May God help us to remember this special heritage and help us to perpetuate this faith in our own lives and to pass it along to those who will follow us. We pray for God to send heaven-sent revival to America, and Father, let it begin with each of us. 

Peace!