PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GATHERING… Local community members of the Village of Pioneer gathered to share prayers during the National Day of Prayer Service held on May 7, 2026.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Community members gathered in Pioneer on Thursday, May 7, 2026, for a National Day of Prayer Service held at noon at the Pioneer Gazebo.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance recognized on the first Thursday in May.
According to information provided during the service, the tradition dates back to the Continental Congress in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer, with Congress formally establishing the annual observance in 1952.
The Pioneer service opened with a welcome from Pastor Steve Smith, followed by a prayer for the nation led by Pastor Al Fenstermaker.
Gentry Sweitzer then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered a scripture reading from 2 Chronicles 7:14-15.
Throughout the service, several community leaders and pastors offered prayers focused on different aspects of the nation and local communities. Rod Laukhuf shared quotes from historical leaders including Benjamin Franklin, President Abraham Lincoln, and President Harry Truman before attendees joined together in singing “America the Beautiful.”
Connie Salsbury delivered a prayer for schools and the educational system, while Ralph Gladhill led a prayer for families.Pastor Keith Elting gave a prayer for churches, followed by Bob Martin with a prayer for businesses and workplaces.
Additional prayers included Pastor Ben Gladhill praying for the arts, media, and entertainment industries.
Bob Christ prayed for the military and law enforcement, and Shane Sumner offered a prayer for government leaders and public officials.
The service concluded with the singing of “God Bless America” and a closing benediction delivered by Pastor Craig Bard.
The gathering brought together residents, pastors, and community leaders in a shared moment of prayer and encouragement while recognizing the importance of the National Day of Prayer.