By Erin Smith
Bladen County residents marked the National Day of Prayer on Thursday with two remembrances.
The first remembrance took place at 12 noon in front of the Elizabethtown Municipal Building by the flag poles. Three people turned out to pray for our nation, our state and our county. The theme for this year’s event was Unity.
Clara Adams led the prayer session in Elizabethtown. She said the first time she conducted the National Day of Prayer, it was under a tree across the road from her home. Since that day, the gatherings have varied in size but have always been held in front of the Elizabethtown Municipal Building.
G. C. Bryan joined the group and the verse for this year’s theme was shared. The scripture theme was Ephesians 4:3 which reads, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
The second Day of Prayer event in Bladen County was held at 7 p.m. in Bladenboro at the Bladenboro Historical Society Building. Rev. Warren Hill deemed that event successful with 11 pastors agreeing to take part in the event. Laney Autry, the North Carolina Junior Beta Club Chaplain read Ephesians 4:3 and special music was provided by Savannah McPherson.
Pastors who offered prayers included Rev. Charles Hester, Rev. Bruce Miller, Rev. Dwayne Lambeth, Rev. Larry Hayes, Rev. Darin Andrews, Rev. Ricky Donaldson, Steven Cox, Rev. Bobbie Smith, Rev. Ronnie Brisson, and Rev. Hill.
“It was a good night,” said Hill of the event.
Other events took place in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. to mark the occasion as well.