State Baptists play major part in governor’s inaugural events

Music and speeches from state Baptists headlined Gov. Bob Riley’s inaugural events Jan. 14–15 in Montgomery.

At the governor’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast Jan. 14, Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program, told the crowd of about 700 that Riley was in office "for such a time as this."

Taking his message from Esther 4:14, Ireland challenged those present with "looking at what the needs and challenges of all Alabamians are."

"That should be our motivation. We’re not to count the cost as Esther didn’t," he said. "Esther was willing to lay her life on the line for the liberation of her people."

Voices of Mobile, a vocal ensemble from the University of Mobile, performed during the breakfast.

And as part of the inauguration the next day, the sanctuary choir of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association sang on the capitol steps with a choir from Walking on Water Christian Church in Center Point.

During the breakfast, Riley, a member of First Baptist Church, Ashland, in Carey Baptist Association, asked for continued prayer from Alabamians during his second term as governor.

"There are times when you can absolutely feel those prayers," he said.

"(My wife) Patsy and I talked about it. At strange times, you’ll be riding down the road but you can actually feel the people of Alabama praying." (TAB)