Congressman Michael Guest was sworn into office on Thursday becoming the 20th Representative to hold the seat since its creation in 1847.

Approximately 150 Mississippians attended the ceremonial swearing-in at the Library of Congress, Whittall Pavilion.

Congressman Guest took the oath with his hand on two bibles belonging to his sons, Kennedy and Patton.

“Haley and I want to thank you for you being with us today on this special occasion,” Guest told the audience. “When our family announced our decision to run for this seat one year ago, we could only guess what the Lord held in store for us. As I stand here ready to undertake this responsibility of a lifetime, I am reminded of many of the memories over the last year. But most importantly, I am thankful to be in Washington, D.C. with my closest friends, family members, and colleagues.

Guest said he was humbled by the responsibility he now holds in representing his home state.

“I do not take this opportunity to serve the people of Mississippi lightly, but I know that I will not be serving alone,” he said, thanking his family and his new congressional staff. “I also take on this responsibility with the support of a great community of leaders, friends, and mentors. Each one of you has provided an example of what it means to be a good person, to commit oneself to something greater than ourselves, and to lend a helping hand to ensure that the nation we leave our children and grandchildren has even greater opportunities than those we enjoy. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of some incredible people who have set a precedent of service for me to follow.

“I will promise to uphold the morals and values we hold dear as a family, as a community, as a state, and as a nation. I will promise to remain humble and hold the responsibilities of this office in the highest regard, and I will promise to represent the people of Mississippi in a way that brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father.

May God bless you, may God bless the great state of Mississippi, and may God bless the United States of America.”

Among the speakers at the swearing in ceremony were retiring Congressman Gregg Harper, Congressman Trent Kelly, Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Guest’s son – Kennedy Guest, his pastor – Dr. Clarence Cooper, and his Chief of Staff – Jordan Downs.