LOXLEY, Ala. — Since its inception, the National Day of Prayer has been a day where people of all faiths are urged to pray for the United States. This year, the day fell on May 1 and about 200 people gathered at the Loxley Civic Center at 7 a.m. for the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Prayer Breakfast.

The group heard Don Moore of Spanish Fort, potentate of the Abba Shrine Center in Mobile speak about the programs the Shrine offers to children under 18. The Shrine offers free care to youngsters 18 and younger who are burned, have orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and certain other health conditions regardless of their faith or families’ ability to pay at a number of specialized hospitals in the United States, Canada, Panama, and Mexico. Moore added that the family does not have to be of a particular faith or have a Shriner in the family to receive help.

According to the group’s Web site, the “Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” got its start in New York City as a number of Master Masons there decided that they wanted a little more fun in their lives. The founding members decided on a Near East theme for the group (something that was popular then), and the Shriners, complete with those funny bejeweled hats (one is called a “fez,” more than one is “fezzes” ) was born. The group was founded in the early 1870s and the first hospital for children was opened in Shreveport, La. in 1922. The Web site is at shrinershq.org.

“We have about 400,000 men,” said Moore. “Helping kids is part of all that fun.”

“We’re not a religious order, said Moore before the meeting. “We are religious people, however. We offer a number of things to the community and we believe in God, country and service to children.”

The audience was greeted by Peggy Nelson, chairperson of the CBCC board.

“It is wonderful that we are free to come together on the National Day of Prayer,” Nelson said.

Nelson was followed by a number of local religious leaders, each offering a special prayer for local churches, communities, the military, the nation and schools.

“What matters most is that we seek Your face,” said Rev. John Copeland of Robertsdale’s First Baptist Church during the prayer for the nation. The Rev. William James, of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church invoked the Beatitudes and asked the crowd to “pray for the children who fall between the cracks.”

The audience was treated to a trio of songs from the Robertsdale United Methodist Church Bell Choir under the direction of Barbara Jo Newberry and a number of tunes by the Robertsdale High School Women’s ensemble, under the direction of the school’s choral director, William Thomas.

One of the morning’s highlights was the presentation of colors by the Robertsdale High Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), under the direction of Master Chief Petty Officer Robert Dairy.

“It’s an honor to be asked to participate,” said Dairy. “You have to be very well trained, and we’ve trained at 0630 (that’s military talk for 6:30 a.m.) two days in a row (for this event). These are good kids, but not all are going to join the Navy. Our job is to train responsible citizens of America.”

While members of the color guard enjoy the training, not all see themselves joining the armed services after high school graduation. Caitlin Presley, a freshman, sees herself joining the Navy or Air Force after graduation, and Alex Tuck, a sophomore, hopes to join the Marine Corps after leaving school.

The prayers and pageantry were well-received.

“You can’t help having a good day after a program this,” said Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton.

“This was very well done,” said John Duncan of Loxley. He’s been attending the prayer breakfasts since they began in the area.

“The program had a good scriptural basis,” Duncan said. “I am a Christian and put 30 years in the Navy. I think the organizers have done a good job.”