Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Prayer card for President John F. Kennedy
Prayer card for President John F. Kennedy

Prayer card for President John F. Kennedy

Object number2002.075.0015
Date11/25/1963
ClassificationsDocuments
Creator Sanford L. Fox
Photographer Jacques Lowe
ObjectPrayer card
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPaper
Dimensions4 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (12.1 x 8.9 cm)
Collections
DescriptionPrayer card from President John F. Kennedy's funeral Mass at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Monday, November 25, 1963. This prayer card was created under the direction of Sanford L. Fox, Chief of the White House Special Entertainments Office from 1961 to 1964, with input from the Kennedy family and clergy at St. Matthew's. On the front of the card is a black and white photographic portrait of President Kennedy. This portrait is from a photograph taken by Kennedy family photographer Jacques Lowe. The front of the card has a black border. Text is printed on the back of the card. President Kennedy's name, title, and life dates are printed at the top with a simple black cross printed below. The text: "Dear God, Please take care of your servant John Fitzgerald Kennedy", is followed by quotes taken directly from the end of President Kennedy's inaugural address, as selected by Jacqueline Kennedy.
Curatorial Commentary
Included in the Museum's temporary exhibit, "Mourning a President," about the funeral and mourning rites for President John F. Kennedy, this item will be on display on the Museum's seventh floor from November 17, 2017 to February 19, 2018. -- Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections

Sanford L. Fox was the Chief of the White House Social Entertainments Office during the Kennedy presidency--a position he held from 1962 to 1975. As Chief, Mr. Fox was responsible for the planning, organization and execution of events at the White House including everything from teas to state dinners. He was an arbiter of protocol as well as having oversight for printing, engraving and calligraphy for menus, invitations and other stationery. He was also responsible for seating arrangements.

Sanford Fox and other White House staff assisted Mrs. Kennedy with planning her husband's funeral, in part by helping organize the necessary stationery. -- Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections