May 4, 2007 By Jackie Beranek 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – More than 100 residents gathered Thursday in Lions Square to celebrate the National Day of Prayer, sponsored locally by the Connellsville Area Ministerial Association. City clerk Antoinette Tesauro filled in for Mayor Judy Reed during opening ceremonies, telling the crowd that Reed had a prior engagement. Tesauro additionally said that the Centennial Congress called for the first National Day of Prayer in 1775. She also said that President Abraham Lincoln called for such a day in 1863.

“In 1952, Congress established the National Day of Prayer as an annual event by joint resolution, signed into law by President Harry Truman,” said Tesauro. “In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Regan, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.”

Tesauro said the National Day of Prayer is a day set aside for all faiths to worship in ways accustomed to their religious beliefs.

The National Day of Prayer services began at 6:30 a.m. at Miedel’s Restaurant on Buttermore Boulevard with local pastors leading in prayer and scripture reading and a buffet breakfast, under the direction of Pastor Mark Juengel.

The 11:45 a.m. service included prayer by local pastors, special speakers and special music by City Church, The Richter’s Gospel Group and Yvonne Goldsberry and Geibel Catholic High School Chamber Ensemble.

Pastor Brian Higbee of the City Church of Connellsville provided opening worship and the Rev. Barry Witt of Faith Bible Church offered a prayer to the nation at noon.

He said, “We ask that you guard and guide our president and all who serve the people of these United States. May uncompromising integrity mark their lives. We also ask that you unite us as truly one nation, under God. May genuine humility return to our ranks and may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land.”

The Rev. Matt Goldsberry of Calvary Assembly of God Church offered remarks concerning “America Unites in Prayer,” and the Rev. Jim Turnbull of Christian Missionary Alliance Church offered a prayer for Pennsylvania leaders.

The Rev. Chris Stillwell of the Connellsville Christian Church offered a prayer for Fayette County leaders, and the Rev. Mark Van Bibber of New Life Fellowship offered a prayer for city leaders.

The Rev. Dean Myer of the First Baptist Church offered a prayer for emergency medical services, law enforcement and firefighters. The Rev. Don Smith, president of the Connellsville Area Ministerial Association, presented the benediction and closing remarks.

Tesauro said the National Day of Prayer is offered to all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith.

“It is not owned by any one group,” she said. “Every American can observe the National Day of Prayer in his or her own way. Each year the president issues a proclamation in support of this significant day.”

The observance ended at 7 p.m. at the City Church in Connellsville with prayer, led by pastors, and special music.

For more information about the National Day of Prayer organization, see www.ndptf.org.