May 3, 2002 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 5 min read

The events of Sept. 11 weighed on the minds of those who gathered to pray Thursday as Fayette County joined the nation in observing National Day of Prayer. “After Sept. 11, we are a wounded people. We share shock and pain,’ observed Dennis McKendry, past commander of the Milton L. Bishop American Legion Post 301 in Connellsville and past deputy vice commander with the 24th District Pennsylvania American Legion, at a lunchtime rally outside the Fayette County Courthouse.

But McKendry also noted, “As our nation battles terrorism, our faith lifts and sustains us.’

From sunup to sundown, churches and organizations in Fayette County observed the 51st Annual National Day of Prayer with their own special services. There were two countywide observances, sponsored by the Fayette County National Day of Prayer Committee. They included the lunchtime prayer rally at the courthouse and a 6 a.m. prayer meeting and breakfast at the Uniontown Holiday Inn. This was the first time the committee sponsored a lunchtime rally but it was the ninth annual prayer breakfast.

The Rev. Terry Collins, pastor of Chalk Hill, Sugar Loaf and Sansom United Methodist Churches, acted as master of ceremonies for both events and told participants his own Sept. 11 story.

“I was in Moscow on Sept. 11, getting ready to board a plane when I saw on television this awful attack on our country,’ said Rev. Collins, who was in Russia performing mission work. “My heart was in the same place as all of you. I was one of thousands of Americans in another country who couldn’t go home. I found my heart going immediately to the Lord in prayer.’

The courthouse rally, attended by more than 50 people, included an honor guard ceremony by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 in Uniontown. Pete Porrecca, commander, played the haunting but beautiful “Taps’ in memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and in the war on terrorism.

In addition, Marine Cpl. Brad Thomas of Uniontown, a participant in Campaign Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, offered thanks to the many local people who supported him.

He also noted, “I’ve said more prayers in the last eight to nine months than I ever have in my life.’

This year’s theme for National Day of Prayer is “America United Under God’ and people throughout the country joined at noontime in saying a special “Prayer for America,’ written by the Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, chaplain for the U.S. Senate. It read in part, “Since Sept. 11th, in the battle against terrorism, we have discovered again that you are truly our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’

In addition to Uniontown, noontime prayer services were held in Brownsville in front of the borough building and Connellsville in front of city hall.

Mayor Norma Ryan reported about a dozen people participated in the Brownsville ceremony that was led by the Rev. J.W. Hormell, pastor of First Christian Church of Brownsville.

“We joined hands and everyone gave an individual prayer for the needs of the community and government,’ said Ryan, who mentioned prayers were also made regarding the dangers affecting the country and for the nation’s youths.

The Rev. Bruce Storms, pastor of Mount Olive Evangelical Church in Connellsville, read the “Prayer for America’ to the approximately 30 participants in the Connellsville prayer service. They sang “Amazing Grace’ and then offered individual prayers.

Other speakers at the Uniontown courthouse rally included state Sen. Richard Kasunic, (D-Dunbar) who offered a strong plea for the return of prayer in public schools.

Noting that many people attending the rally were raised with prayer in the schools, Kasunic said, “I think we’re all a little better because of it.’

Both Pastor Nick Cook of Abundant Life Church in Uniontown and Fayette County Commissioner Sean Cavanaugh mentioned the conflict in the Holy Lands in their remarks.

The Rev. Frank Lewis, prison chaplain, led the Pledge of Allegiance while the Rev. Galen Winebrenner of United Christian Temple in Uniontown gave the invocation and Benediction. Marcy Whittaker of Faith Bible Church in Connellsville and William Dreucci of Asbury United Methodist Church in Uniontown offered songs.

The Rev. Kenneth Summers, pastor of First Baptist Church in Carmichaels, was featured speaker for the prayer breakfast at the Uniontown Holiday Inn.

Addressing the subject of unity, Rev. Summers told the 140 participants, “God intends for us to be supported and to support one another. As we face the storms and temptations of life, we should receive strength from each other.’

The Rev. Jason Lamer, youth pastor of Faith Assembly of God in Uniontown, led singing at the prayer breakfast while the Rev. Madison Stringfellow, pastor of Brownfield and Hopwood United Methodist Churches, and the Rev. Terry Brown, youth pastor at Cherry Tree Alliance Church in South Union Township, joined the other ministers in leading prayers for the nation, leaders, communities, families and youths.

Meanwhile, churches hosting services on National Day of Prayer included New Beginnings Covenant Church in Uniontown, St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Farmington and Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Uniontown.

Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown opened its doors for prayer from noon to 7 p.m.

In addition, West Virginia Career Institute just north of Uniontown held a blood drive in conjunction with National Day of Prayer. The school, led by student group Phi Beta Lamba, will continue its observance this afternoon when it plants four trees in honor of the four planes that were hijacked on Sept. 11. It will also erect a flagpole and flag.