SPARTANBURG, South Carolina – Gov. Chris Christie and Gov. Nikki Haley attended a decidedly patriotic church service here Sunday, two days before the election, participating in a worship that some attendees of First Baptist Spartanburg said was more politically tinged than usual.
The governors sat in a pew with sheet of paper that said "Reserved." Christie sat in front with the Haley, along with her husband, Michael. Also present was Christie's son, Andrew.
Dr. Don Wilton, the church's senior pastor, prayed on behalf of "men and women who are placed in positions of authority. We ask Lord that we the people of this great nation might come back to God … that we might understand that we are being founded upon this God of whom we speak and in whom we have placed our faith. So Lord bless our land today, especially those who have not."
"It's wonderful to be able to have fellowship with you today," Wilton said. His arms folded, Christie acknowledged Wilton with a nod.
In acknowledging Haley, Wilton spoke directly to her husband Michael. "We just want you to know that we really do honor you for your service to our country."
It was not immediately clear how many times Christie, who is Catholic, has been to church with gubernatorial nominees. (He went to two services with Florida Gov. Rick Scott last weekend, a spokesperson tells BuzzFeed News.)
If he runs for president, Christie will need the support of conservative southern voters who do not yet see him as conservative enough.
In something of a of a patriotic twist, a vocal ensemble mixed hymns like "Up From the Grave He Rose" and "O Come Let Us Adore Him" with "God Bless America."
Wilton's message – titled "How to Get Into Heaven" – was taken from the book of Hebrews. He centered most of it around the New Testament story of Nicodemus, a man "highly respected in society" who came to Jesus asking him how one becomes born again. Jesus responds by saying that he must essentially reborn – but of the spirit of God.
"The worship service was great," Christie said. "It was great to meet Don and lots of members of the church afterwards. It's always uplifting as a Catholic to go and experience other services ... it's always uplifting and educational and it was great to be there."
Wilton met privately in a quiet moment with the governors before they left for a nearby campaign rally. "I just wanted to speak to them about family. We don't get involved with politics. We came today to worship together. We're interested in family, their health and well-being and in encouraging them to keep their souls well. We want them to keep their lives strong in the Lord.
"It was about the privilege to be their pastor for a brief time. It's one of the greatest privileges God could give me."