Middlesboro’s National Day of Prayer service
Published 3:57 pm Friday, May 2, 2025
The National Day of Prayer was observed in Middlesboro on Thursday, May 1, with a special community service that was moved inside to the City Council Chambers due to inclement weather.
This was the 74th annual National Day of Prayer and the day was marked in Washington, D.C. by a proclamation by President Donald Trump and all over the country with over 1700 events organized by local volunteers.
President Harry S. Truman first proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952, as a day set aside for Americans to give thanks, in accordance with their own faith, for our freedoms and blessings. President Ronald Reagan moved the observance to the first Thursday in May in 1988.
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This year’s theme is “Pour out to the God of hope and be filled.” It’s based on the Bible verse Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The Middlesboro observance was organized by Jean Roark, Micheline Carey and Tracy Callihan.
Mayor Boone Bowling welcomed everyone to the event, then the Middlesboro High School JROTC Color Guard led by Lt. Colonel Steve Fuson and First Class Brad Vandy presented the flags.
Middlesboro Police Officer Jordan Hurd led the Pledge of Allegiance and members of the Bell County High School choir, Autumn Powers, Meredith Taylor, Alyssa Goodin and Sophia Goodin, sang the National Anthem.
Then various members of the community led several prayers.
Nelson Bingham, the owner/operator of Green Hills Funeral Home, gave a prayer for the church.
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Romell Jonhson, from A.M.E. Zion Church, gave a prayer for repentance.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Taylor gave a prayer for the government.
U.S. Air Force veteran Bob Roark gave a prayer for the nation and the military.
Bell Central Principal Jennifer Blankenship gave a prayer for the youth.
LMU Assistant Vice President for Student Success Chris Stotts gave a prayer for education.
Carolyn Mason, director of the Bell County Senior Citizens Center, gave a prayer for the community.
Richard Smith, manager of the Middlesboro Food City, gave a prayer for business.
Karen Greene Blondell, from First Christian Church, gave a prayer for the family.
Mark Woods, retired superintendent of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, gave a prayer for the environment
The event closed with Jean Roark leading everyone in attendance in singing “God Bless America.”
