Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Beckley observed the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, continuing a tradition at Word Park in uptown Beckley that has now stretched 15 consecutive years.
The National Day of Prayer is a federal observance held every first Thursday of May. It traces its roots to the Continental Congress in 1775 and has been an official annual event since Congress established it in 1952.
At Word Park, continuous scripture readings took place every ten minutes throughout the day, open to anyone who wanted to stop and listen. Prayers and songs filled the park, and the Salvation Army of Beckley served snacks, beverages, and hot dogs to attendees.
Sherrie Hunter, an organizer of the Beckley event, said the turnout reflects something meaningful about the community.
“It speaks volumes for people to take time out of their day to reflect and to read the good book,” Hunter said. “I think it will inspire others. This is just a very special day across the nation, not just in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia.”
The gathering at Word Park ran from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
