Trump and Pence get standing ovation at NJ Presbyterian church

Jardine Malado Thursday, November 24, 2016

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence (R) stand together as they arrive at the main clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., last Nov. 19. | REUTERS/Mike Segar

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence were given a standing ovation when they attended a service at the Lamington Presbyterian Church in Bedminster, New Jersey last Sunday.

Trump and Pence attended the service just before they went to a meeting to hold interviews for cabinet candidates at the Trump National Golf Club, which is just two miles away from the church.

According to the New York Post, the worshippers applauded as Trump and Pence left the church around 11:15 a.m.

One of the congregants, 66-year-old Jim Tiesi, was able to shake the president-elect's hand and express his support.

"I just told him that I hope he understands the country supports him and not to be distracted by the noise," said Tiesi.

Another member of the congregation, Shelley Ricco, 62, said, "I just want to say thank you to President-elect Trump from the bottom of my heart. I've been a member of this church for 45 years and the whole congregation is thrilled to have him."

"We gave him a standing ovation at the end of Mass, a rousing standing ovation! I hope he follows his heart," she added.

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for Trump, said that the church directors requested not to allow the press inside.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was one of the people who met with Trump that day. He was in charge of Trump's transition team until he was replaced by Pence.

Trump had been unpopular in New Jersey as a whole but he was viewed favorably by some of the residents of Bedminster.

Hillary Clinton was able to beat Trump in the state by more than 13 points and 400,000 votes but the business magnate won against the former first lady in Bedminster by 2,258 to 2,250.

Trump had repeatedly declared himself to be a Presbyterian during the campaign period.

"As you know, I am Protestant. I am Presbyterian. Most people don't know that. They have no idea. I'm proud of it. I'm very proud of it," he said in an interview with David Brody of CBN.

Some Presbyterian pastors in Washington D.C. have stated that they will welcome Trump if he decides to worship in their church when he takes office.