Cultura Garden Club prepares for program in downtown Russellville

The Cultura Garden Club has planned the annual “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” and Christmas tree lighting ceremony for Dec. 5 at 4:15 p.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse. The program will conclude by 5 p.m.

The public is invited to attend and is encouraged to take pictures at the Christmas Tree following the program. The annual Russellville Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m.

The “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” ceremony began 70 years ago. It has been observed and sponsored by the Cultura Garden Club for more than thirty years. The Federated Garaden Clubs of Alabama adopted the program, and it has been observed in towns all across Alabama, including on the steps of the Alabama Capitol, each December.

This program also honors veterans, frontline workers, first responders, emergency medical employees and volunteers. They will be recognized for their valor, dedication and service to the city, state, country and internationally, as duty calls.

Dr. Wade Wallace of Calvary Baptist Church will present the Prayer for Peace message. The invocation and closing prayer will be given by Joel Davis, Youth Minister of First Baptist Church in Russellville.

Featured entertainment includes the combined singers of Russellville High School, Russellville Middle School and the Russellville Elementary Fifth Grade Chorus. The RHS Junior ROTC will present colors, and Madeline Cooper, Miss UNA, Miss Alabama contestant and Franklin County Distinguished Young Woman, will sing the national anthem.

The Lighting of the Candles will be coordinated by the garden club members as the combined choirs lead those assembled in the singing of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” The reading of the “Light A Candle” Poem will be led by the RHS Drama Department. The playing of “Taps” will be performed by Jeremy Willis, RHS Band Director. The official lighting of the Christmas tree will conclude the program.

Susie Hovater Malone is a member of the Cultura Garden Club.