Gov.-elect Larry Hogan glad-handed his way up the aisle at St. Mary's Catholic Church this morning, hugging and smiling at well-wishers until he reached Lt. Gov.-elect Boyd Rutherford in the front row.
Hogan grasped Boyd's hand, laid another on his shoulder and asked, "You ready for this, L.G.?"
Just hours before Hogan is sworn in Wednesday as Maryland's 62nd governor, speakers at the prayer service to honor him struck a bipartisan tone, and called for tolerance
"If you ever needed the Lord before, you sure do need him now," preached Rev. Anthony C. Muse, a Democratic state senator from Prince George's County. "I know us, and as the saying goes, we can be a trip. Your patience will be tested by the personalities of many."
The multi-denominational service featured remarks from Catholic Archbishop William Lori, as well as Rev. Henry Ferry, who officiated at Hogan's wedding.
Rev. Errol Gilliard, Sr., of Greater Harvest church, recalled a time Hogan visited his Baltimore parish, and told the congregation he was there not for a political message, but for prayers.
Gilliard remember telling him "You're in an election. You want votes. Ask for voters. This is not the time to ask for prayers. The time for prayers will come," Gilliard said. "Now is the time for prayers.
Hogan told reporters afterward that he was "feeling blessed."
"A couple hours from now, it's going to be official," Hogan said. "I'm going to try to take a few deep breaths and try to enjoy the moment."