President George Bush called for a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance Sept. 14 for the thousands of victims who perished in last week’s acts of terrorism.
Responding to his request, Alabama Baptists and others across the state and nation joined in a common bond of prayer. Many churches also held prayer services and vigils on the night of the catastrophic incident, as well as during the traditional Wednesday night services.
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions Executive Director Rick Lance, along with Alabama Baptist State Convention president Mike McLemore, declared Sept. 16 a day of prayer for Alabama Baptists.
From Baptist universities to small and large churches alike, Baptists of Alabama raised their prayers of concern to God in various forms.
Samford University students and faculty members held a prayer service Thursday and joined in Friday’s national observance. The school’s director of university relations, Bill Nunnelley, said the bells of Rushton Memorial Carillon also rang out Friday during the noon hour. “We also had American flags flying at the campus entrance and a huge 30- by 50-foot flag draped on the exterior wall of Wright Center.”
In St. Clair Association, Cropwell Baptist Church in Pell City held a prayer service Tuesday night as did Heflin Baptist Church in Cleburne Association, although Pastor Philip R. Morris was in Florida when the tragedy struck.
The church’s student minister, Chris Sullivan, and the church’s secretary, Polly Walker, coordinated the service. “They called me … and told me what they wanted to do, and I said it was a great idea,” Morris said.
Morris explained the word spread quickly to members through the church’s prayer chain, with some 100 church members participating.
Morris said an “I Love America” rally also was held at the county high school Thursday night. “There were around 400 people who attended, and the high school band performed and the choir sang patriotic songs,” Morris said.
Heflin Baptist opened its doors all day Friday for people to pray.
Kenneth Bullard, pastor of Cropwell Baptist, reassured the near-capacity crowd that God is still in control.
Those gathered prayed for those in leadership, as well as for rescue workers and victims’ families.
Eden Westside Baptist Church in Pell City also gathered Tuesday evening. Bill Ayres, pastoral ministries minister, said those who gathered were encouraged to heed Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
First Baptist Church, Ashville; Bethel Baptist Church, Moody; and First Baptist Church, Pell City, also held special services.
Similar activities could be found in neighboring Cherokee Association where Pastor Rickey Pollard of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Centre, said the church doors were open Tuesday evening and all day Friday for people to pray.
During the Sunday morning service Pollard said he and his staff prepared an unusual yet appropriate message.
“Our youth minister, Jeff Brooks, and our music leader, Greg Beaty, worked hard on a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the week’s events accompanied by patriotic music,” Pollard said. “It’s time for us as a nation to ask God for forgiveness and to seek revival.”
Pollard also noted that the community participated in a county-wide memorial service Sept. 16.
On the campus of the University of Mobile (UM) the faculty, staff and student body joined in front of the school’s 120-year-old chapel to participate in a ceremony of remembrance.
The service began with the ringing of the chapel bells. UM President Mark Foley delivered a message to the crowd. Draped behind him was a large American flag.
Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, paid tribute to the fallen Sunday morning with Birmingham-area firemen in dress uniform holding an American flag as “Taps” was played and the fire bell rang. The flag was folded in the traditional memorial triangle and placed on the altar.
Pastor Danny Wood then preached on “The Next Step,” encouraging the congregation to return to the Lord “with all your heart.”
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Homewood, held a prayer service Sept. 14. While the church organist faintly played “America,” two Eagle Scouts marched down the aisles, one carrying the flag of the United States and the other, the Christian flag.
Voices rang out as the crowd stood and sang the words to “The Star Spangled Banner,” followed by the pledge of allegiance. Pastor Gary Fenton offered words of comfort to the congregation.
Mourners bowed their heads in prayer and muffled crying could be heard throughout the sanctuary. As participants concluded the singing of “God Bless America,” many hands wiped tears off grieving faces.
“This is a defining moment for this generation of Americans,” said Fenton. “We are grieving but we are not in despair. We are hurting but we are also filled with great hope,” he added. “It’s a time for believers to unite in prayer and service.” (Leigh Pritchett contributed)
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