Pastors and parishioners from churches across the county came together Thursday to pray for the country, our schools, the military, churches, families and people across the world. The ceremony was part of the National Day of Prayer.

Pastor Carl Williams from the First Baptist Church in Demopolis said it is always a good thing when different churches come together to pray.

“I’m not sure there’s ever been a more important time for people to come together and pray than today,” Williams said. “It’s good for the community to come together and pray like this, and anytime churches can come together, it’s a good thing.”

U.S. Jones Elementary student Jones Colgrove opened the ceremony with the national anthem, and a parade of pastors followed with prayers.

During the 30-minute ceremony, nine pastors prayed with those in attendance. The pastors were:

•Hank Atchison, Gallion Baptist Church

•Art Luckie, First United Methodist Church of Demopolis

•John David Barnes, Trinity Episcopal Church

•Mickey Greene, Church Aflame

•Frank Stiff, Saints Tabernacle Church of God

•Lacornia Harris, New Aimwell Baptist Church

•Carl Williams, First Baptist Church of Demopolis

•Sid Rowser, Jerusalem Baptist Church

•Randall Smith, Rangeline Baptist Church

Tim Hall, the minister of music at First Baptist in Demopolis, played a worship song during the ceremony as well.