The Chillicothe Kiwanis and the Ross County Ministerial Association will sponsor the 52nd annual Ohio Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast this coming Saturday, March 3rd.
The Constitution of the State of Ohio was drafted in Chillicothe in 1802, approved by Congress, and Ohio was admitted to Statehood. The governing officials were assembled and after being sworn into office began administering the affairs of the secular government on March 1, 1803 in Chillicothe. The opening session began with a prayer by a pioneer minister Rev. James Finley. This prayer asked for divine guidance in all deliberations and judgments of the secular authorities.
This commemoration of the state’s founding takes place at 8:30 a.m. that Saturday at Chillicothe’s Trinity United Methodist Church.
Guest speakers for the breakfast come from both the political and clerical communities. This year’s speakers include State Senator Bob Peterson and retired Voice of Hope Church of God Pastor, John Karlson.
The event also brings with it recognition of the recipient of the annual Ohio Statehood Day Achievement Award, which is presented to a local nominee that best represents the spirit of Ohio. This year’s recipient is retired Chillicothe City Schools educator, and current OU-Chillicothe Administrator, Joyce Atwood.
Tickets to the Prayer Breakfast are $10.00 each and can be purchased at the Ross County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau or Trinity United Methodist Church. They can also be purchased at the door on the morning of the event.
Other activities planned to acknowledge Ohio Statehood Day include tours of the Ross County Heritage Center, Adena Mansion & Gardens, the Lucy Webb Hayes Heritage Center, the David Nickens Heritage Center, and the Ross County Genealogical Society.