Staff Writer
For the fourth straight year, Ortonville’s pastors and citizens will come together with the nation to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.
This year’s ceremony will be held at noon Thursday, May 6 at the Old Township Hall (at the corner of Church and Mill Streets). The national theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is ‘Let Freedom Ring.?
The Rev. Suzanne Walls, pastor of Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 Church St., and a member of the Ortonville Area Clergy Association, said her church will be represented at the ceremony, as well as several other Ortonville churches, including Seymour Lake United Methodist Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Lake Louise Church of the Nazarene, and St. Anne Catholic Church.
Since they began joining forces to commemorate the National Day of Prayer, Walls said the local pastors have ‘took a hold of it? and done a good job organizing local ceremonies. She said about 40 people attended Ortonville’s service last year.
A group of people who have commemorated the Day of Prayer in their unique way are Brandon High School students. Brandon superintendent Bart Jenniches explained how the students observed that day.
‘In the past, some of the high school students, prior to the start of school, met at the flagpole at the center of the school during that day between 7-7:15 p.m.
Jenniches said he did not know for sure whether students would have such a ceremony this year. Dr. Michael Ferguson, Brandon High School principal, could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Brandon students and staff are allowed to attend the Ortonville ceremony or any others as long as it takes place before school, during lunch, or after school, according to Jenniches.
The National Day of Prayer has been officially celebrated in this country since 1952, when Congress passed a joint resolution declaring such a day, which was signed by President Harry Turman.
However, the National Day of Prayer dates back to 1775, when John Hancock established a Congressional order for the first Day of Prayer.
During the Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln reiterated the country’s need for a ‘day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer? to heal a divided nation.
In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan to designate the first Thursday in May as the annual National Day of Prayer.
Walls said prayer has played an important part in the history of this country, and will continue to play a key role in our country.
‘The prayer of God’s people is the greatest untapped resource available to us,? she said. ‘It formed the foundation of our country as our forefathers pondered the way of independence. It is equally important today as we chart the course for future generations.?
Another local church holding a National Day of Prayer service is Lakeview Community Church, 10023 S. State Road, Goodrich. The Lakeview service will begin at 7 p.m. May 6. Details: 810-636-7541.