National Day of Prayer 2016
David Longmire delivers the Mayor’s Proclamation
Staff Photo by Jake Depew
Jefferson County celebrated the 65th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, 2016. This year’s theme for the ceremony was “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.” Isaiah 58: Verse 1. Citizens gathered at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse for the noon prayer event. Several local pastors, community leaders and government officials were on hand to officiate the ceremony. Reverend Cory Hammet of the First Baptist Church in Dandridge offered the Welcome, followed by special music provided by Tammy Mouchet, of Mt. Zion/Seahorns Chapel UMC. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Sheila Wiggins, Director of the local Habitat for Humanity, and Mr. David Longmire, Jefferson County Safety and Facilities Director, brought the Mayor’s Proclamation. Reverend John Wilson, of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, gave the prayer for Youth and School Authorities, Reverend Sherrie Franklin, of Hills United Methodist Church, lead the prayer for Churches, Ministry Organizations and Families and Reverend John Thompson, of Mt. Zion and Seahorn Chapel United Methodist Churches, offered the prayer for Local and State Leaders. The service ended with a prayer for the Nation, by Reverend Jason McIntosh of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, and for Federal Leaders and Armed Forces by Reverend Hammet. Closing music was performed by Tammy Mouchet.
The concept of a National day of prayer was the brainchild of hotel mogul Conrad Hilton and Kansas Senator Frank Carlson. On April 17, 1952, the duo sponsored a bill that directed the President of the United States to select a National Day of Prayer, separate from Sunday, for the Nation to come together and offer prayer. It wasn’t until the Clinton presidency that the National Day of Prayer found its permanent home on the first Thursday in May. The National Day of Prayer invites people of all faiths to offer prayer for the Nation and her citizens.
Sheila Wiggens
Staff Photo by Jake Depew
