It took just 30 seconds for Michael L. Parson, 62, to take the oath of office and become Missouri's 57th governor.
With Supreme Court Judge Mary R. Russell leading him in the oath, Parson "solemnly" swore to "support the Constitution of the United States (and) the state of Missouri," and to "faithfully demean" himself as Missouri's governor, "so help me God."
Parson succeeds Eric Greitens, who resigned Friday after serving 16 months in office.
In exchange for Greitens' resignation, and a promise not to sue St. Louis officials for prosecuting him, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner agreed to drop a felony computer tampering charge she filed against the now-former governor in April, accusing him of taking a donor and email list from The Mission Continues - a veterans service charity he helped found in 2007 - without the charity's permission, and using that list to raise around $2 million during the early days of his campaign for governor.
Parson didn't mention the former governor's legal troubles during his brief remarks after taking the oath of office nor in his answers to three questions posed by reporters.
"Public service is a privilege," he said. "My pledge to all Missourians is to work hard each and every day - to bring honor, integrity and transparency to the governor's office.
"We have an opportunity, beginning today, to have a fresh start in state government."
Parson - who served 12 years as Polk County's sheriff, eight years in the House and six in the state Senate - said now "is the time for Missouri to come together and work together and to help one another."
He said he always will "be ready and willing to listen to ideas on how state government can better position itself to serve our families and our communities" and, Parson added: "I am optimistic about the future of our great state, and am looking forward to the work ahead."
The governor's office was crowded with reporters from numerous newspapers, wire services, a statewide radio network and television and radio stations - outnumbering the friends and family who came for the ceremony.
One reporter noted many people think Greitens squandered a chance to be more successful by not having a good relationship with lawmakers and others.
"Anytime you're in a leadership position, it's about relationships," Parson said. "That's what makes true leaders in this state, and in this country."
He noted his own "history in this building" from serving in both the House and the Senate, and in working with lawmakers from both parties.
"My purpose for being the governor will be to try and bring people together, to try to move the state of Missouri forward for what's best for the state."
Some lawmakers criticized Greitens for stacking the State Board of Education so it could - and did - fire Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
Faced with some senators' threats to block their appointments, Greitens withdrew all five of his appointees in January, leaving the board with only three members - which isn't enough to do business.
He had hoped those appointees would win state Senate approval, but that didn't happen.
Parson said: "We aim to get that board up and running as soon as we can."
He thinks he has the authority to appoint someone to be lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy created Friday when he became governor.
"We are going to look at that thoroughly," he said. "I think it is important for the state of Missouri to have a lieutenant governor - especially at a time like this - to help with the governor's office and be able to work together for the betterment of the state of Missouri."
State Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, told reporters: "I think it's really important that we bring some balance to the government, at this point - somebody who can steady the ship, and I think Mike Parson is a great person to do that."
Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland, said: "This is an important chapter in our history, and it's important that we are able to come together and move forward.
"Now-Gov. Parson has a wonderful reputation around our state."
Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington, said: "With all the concerns that have been plaguing the Capitol for the last several months, we needed to get through the change (and) this process.
"It's a sad day, but it's an exciting day for Parson to step in - and I believe he has the skill set to bridge the relationships you need (to) get a lot of things done."
Before taking his oath in the governor's Capitol office, Parson and his family, friends and supporters attended a prayer service in a chapel at Jefferson City's First Baptist Church.
The Rev. Billy Russell, pastor of Bolivar's First Baptist Church where the Parsons are members, told more than 100 people that one of his first impressions in 1999 of then-Polk County Sheriff Parson was "how concerned he was about his people, how they were serving the citizens of Polk County and how he could make sure that they remained as healthy and as vibrant as they could."
Russell added: "A good leader looks out for the people who work with him to accomplish the mission that's been given him."
The main speaker at the prayer service was the Rev. Kent Parson, pastor of the Elkton Baptist Church, north of Bolivar - and the new governor's oldest brother.
"The very most important event that's ever happened in Mike's life - or that ever will happen in Mike's life," Kent Parson said, was when he accepted Christ as his savior.
The second most important event in Mike Parson's life, Kent said, "was when you took that lady sitting next to you as your wife" and that marrying Teresa was "a wise decision (that) she has proved time and time again."
He ranked Parson's swearing-in as Missouri's newest governor as the third most important thing in Mike Parson's life.
Kent Parson advised his 17-years younger brother to "never be afraid to ask God to help you with the decisions you are going to have to make," to have a "forgiving spirit" and to be humble.
He noted musician Tim McGraw once said: "Hold the door, say please, say thank you don't cheat and don't lie."
He also noted that former President Harry S Truman also encouraged people to say "Thank You."
"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit," Truman said.
Kent Parson added: "It isn't always important that you get credit for everything that is successful.
"Give credit to those people who get the job done - and I know you (already) do that."
After taking his oath of office, Parson thanked his family, friends and supporters for attending the brief ceremony.