Garden club hosts ‘Every Light a Prayer for Peace’
RUSSELLVILLE — Community members gathered at the Franklin County Courthouse on Thursday for the annual “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” ceremony hosted by the Cultura Garden Club.
The event, held ahead of the Christmas Parade, continues a longtime December observance centered on reflection, remembrance and prayer.
Club president Cheri McCain opened the program and welcomed those in attendance.
Jimmy Pinzon of North Highlands Church of Christ followed with the invocation. Members of the Russellville High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps presented the colors.
Russellville High student Lily Cate Pace sang the national anthem, and parliamentary advisor Debbie Nale led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Carrie Jo Hovater presented the history of “Every Light a Prayer for Peace,” tracing its origins to 1951 during the Korean War.
“Homes and neighborhoods that usually glowed with Christmas lights went dark,” Hovater said, referring to the World War II era. “As lights went out across America, the country entered World War II, and many families faced a new kind of darkness as loved ones left for war.”
Hovater said the ceremony gave the community a moment to pause during the busy Christmas season and light a candle for peace. “It became a moment for families to honor or remember their loved ones serving on foreign soil.”
Treasurer Patricia Cox recognized veterans, frontline workers, first responders, EMA personnel, and volunteers.
“To our veterans, thank you for your unwavering service and sacrifice in the Armed Forces,” Cox said. “When the call goes out, you rush toward danger and pain to provide aid, comfort and protection. Your service is a beacon of hope and strength.”
First Vice President Debra Spillers introduced keynote speaker Jeff Johnson, minister at North Highlands Church of Christ. Johnson reflected on the symbolism of light and peace.
“Lights are often an indication of hope, and the absence of light can leave the human spirit with a sense of hopelessness,” he said.
He encouraged attendees to take personal responsibility for peace. “Peace begins with each one of us,” he said. “You have the power to create peace in your home, in your workplace, in your school, in your neighborhood and in your community. Peace is not a spectator sport. It’s a daily practice, a conscious choice, a way of life.”
Students from Russellville elementary, middle and high schools provided music for the ceremony under the direction of Macey Vandiver and McKinley Copeland.
The program also included instructions for the lighting of candles, a poem presented by RHS drama students, and a group performance of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Russellville High School Band Director Jeremy Willis played “Taps” before Pinzon delivered the closing prayer.
The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, which is located diagonally across from the courthouse in front of the Byars Building.
