George H.W. Bush's Casket Arrives At The Church In Houston That The Former President Attended For 50-Years, Ahead Of Thursday's Service And Burial

Former President George H.W. Bush's casket has arrived at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, where he will lie in repose overnight. Air Force One, the Boeing 747 aircraft carrying Bush's body, landed Wednesday evening at Houston's Ellington Field following a state funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, where he was remembered as a statesman of uncommon personal kindness. Mourners gathered at the airport to pay their respects to Bush as a black hearse waited for the flag-draped casket on the tarmac. 


While Bush's casket was escorted from the aircraft to the hearse, former President George W. Bush, his wife Laura, and several other family members trailed behind as a military band played 'Hail to the Chief.' A motorcade then drove 45 minutes to St. Martin's Episcopal Church where about 1,200 mourners are expected to attend the service at the church on Thursday morning. Delivering a eulogy is James Baker, Bush's former secretary of state and longtime confidant. Bush's grandson George P. Bush will give the other eulogy. He is the Texas land commissioner. Bush and his wife, Barbara, worshipped at St. Martin's for more than 50 years. 'It is our turn to show our respect and support as our congregation, as well as our nation, grieve this loss,' reads a message on the church's website.