About 70 people turned out for a National Day of Prayer ceremony May 1 on the Hamilton County Court House lawn. The day’s theme was “Prayer! America’s Strength & Shield.” Chuck Varner, song leader at First General Baptist Church, led the gathering in “God Bless America”; then local pastors with the Hamilton County Ministerial Alliance led in prayer for our government, military, media, business, education, church and family. Another Day of Prayer ceremony was held that morning outside Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Nationwide, it was the 57th annual observance. Paul Lorenz/Times-Leader
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