POINT PLEASANT — “In his name the nations will put their hope.”
“Pray for America,” along with Matthew 12:21, was the theme of the 62nd observance of the National Day of Prayer on the Mason County Courthouse steps on Thursday afternoon.
Following an introduction from the Mason County coordinator Denise Bonecutter, and the “Star Spangled Banner” performed by Point Pleasant High School Senior Kaylee Weaver, Point Pleasant Mayor Brian Billings began the event by discussing the history of this day, noting it always takes place on the first Thursday of May.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, lead by Leon Elementary School student Maddy Towner, who also performed “Amazing Grace,” prayer representatives made their way to the steps offer prayer for their respective areas.
This year’s prayer representatives and their area of prayer are as follows: Government — Rev. Robert Wiseman, Pastor, Macedonia Church; Military — Rev. Charles Birchfield; Family — Wayne Sanders, President, Mason County Right to Life; Unborn — Lew Nazarewycz, Mason County Right to Life; Education — Bill Cottrill, Principal, Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School; Business — Jack Lee, Owner, Operator of Paint Plus Hardware Store; Media — Rev. Ted Nance, Pleasant View Church; Church, Dr. Richard Sargent, Pastor, Main Street Baptist Church.
Weaver and Towner also performed again throughout the event. Also performing were the Living Proof Quartet, which included Sarah Absten, Joyce Banks, and John and Denise Bonecutter.
The National Day of Prayer predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as every first Thursday in May. The National Day of Prayer has been reported as being a part of America’s Heritage that belongs to all Americans, which provides an opportunity for citizens to pray voluntarily, according to their own faith.













