Donald Trump takes the oath of office:

With his hand on a Lincoln Bible, Donald John Trump, who had never held public office, was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States of America.

The oath was administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. As he raised his right hand, Trump had his left hand on a Bible used in Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, which was on top of a Bible that Trump's mother gave to him at his Sunday School graduation in 1955.

TRENDING: Black leaders: BLM about overthrow of U.S., not race

Vice-President Michael Pence was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Before Trump was sworn in, Roman Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan prayed a prayer of Solomon for wisdom from God.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference read from the Beatitudes in the book of Matthew, in the New Living Translation, which included the words, "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers."

Watch live coverage of the inauguration

Pastor Paula White of New Destiny Christian Center South Apopka, Florida, also led in prayer.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, led off the ceremony citing presidents Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

“We’ve come to this place again — commonplace and miraculous,” he said of the inauguration.

“A national moment of celebration, but not a celebration of victory — a celebration of democracy,” said Blunt.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the Senate minority leader, said the nation lives in “challenging” times.

“In such times, faith in our government, our institutions and even our country can erode.”

But he said there is hope “for one reason: you, the American people.”

'Giving it back to the people'

In his 16-minute speech, Trump bluntly listed many of the nation's ills, emphasizing that many people, especially the average American, have felt left behind at the expense of the Washington establishment.

He vowed to lead the nation into a new era in which the people would re-assume power.

"Today we are not merely transferring power from one party to another ... but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people," the new president said.

Trump says a small group in Washington has benefited while “the people have borne the loss.”

“The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country," he said. "Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs."

However, he said, "that all changes, right here, starting right now, because this moment is your moment."

"This is your day, this is your celebration, and this, the United States of America, is your country," he said.

“January 20th, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers once again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now.”

What do YOU think? Sound off in today's WND poll on Donald Trump's inaugural address.

Blessed rain

Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham, who knew 11 presidents, was among the ministers who offered a benediction.

Noting that it began to rain as Trump started his speech, Graham pointed out that in the Bible, rain is a sign of God's blessing.

"It's my prayer that God will bless you and your family and your administration, and may He bless America," Graham said, speaking directly to Trump.

Earlier Friday morning, Trump and Pence attended services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a short walk from the White House.

The outgoing president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, welcomed Donald and Melania Trump outside the White House and escorted them inside for tea.

Along with President Obama, three other former presidents were in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony: George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

Like the reporting you see here? Sign up for free news alerts from WND.com, America's independent news network.

Bill Clinton was accompanied by his wife, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party presidential nominee Trump defeated.

Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, were unable to attend because of poor health. Both were recovering at a hospital in Houston.

At the White House, surrounded by family and congressional leaders, Trump formally signed Cabinet-member nominations, a waiver allowing Gen. James Mattis to become his secretary of defense and a proclamation for a national day of patriotism.

President Trump and Vice-President Pence then attended the Congressional Lunch in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump and Pence rode the mile-and-a-half route on Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House where they watched the inaugural parade, featuring military, high school and university marching bands.

Friday evening, the new president and vice president and their wives will appear at three official inaugural balls.

Mike Pence takes the oath of office:

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, without giving details, promised a "robust" start to Trump's presidency, which will overturn some of President Obama's policies.

"Make no mistake, we’re ready to go on Day One," he said Thursday.

Like the reporting you see here? Sign up for free news alerts from WND.com, America's independent news network.