SMETHPORT — Members of various religious denominations gathered on the steps of the McKean County Courthouse at noon Thursday to observe the 67th annual National Day of Prayer.
The Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church, led this program, one of more than 35,000 such gatherings conducted by about 40,000 volunteers at businesses, churches and government buildings across the United States. The 2018 theme was “Pray for America — Unity.”
All presidents since 1952 have issued proclamations designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Young read President Donald Trump’s proclamation that referred to Americans seeking God in prayer during the dark days of World War I and the deadliest attacks on American soil on Sept. 11, 2001 and asking for patience and resolve in the future.
The Rev. Steve Heath of the Smethport Christian and Missionary Church, read the Smethport Borough’s proclamation, filling in for Mayor Wayne Foltz, who was unable to attend. In part, that proclamation read, “This needed day of spiritual recognition, called the National Day of Prayer, solidifies the bond of all that is good in this land no matter one’s background. This day also reminds us all of our freedom of religion, the need to forgive and the requirement of our Lord to love everyone.”
In the county’s proclamation, read by County Commissioner Cliff Lane, it was stated, “It is eminently fitting and proper that we in McKean County observe a day when all in our communities may acknowledge our many blessings and express gratitude to God for them while recognizing the need for strengthening of religious and moral values in our land.”
Emma Barr provided music, singing “Come, Holy Spirit” and accompanying herself on the guitar.
Lay people offered prayers for certain causes. They were Caleb Raught, Darlene Dorward, Stephanie Gifford and Heather Peterson. Pastors Heath Young and B.J. Simms also offered prayers.
Young then invited the audience to join in a moment of silent prayer.
The audience joined in the singing of the hymn, “Bind Us Together.”
