In a heartfelt gathering on Dec. 23, St. Paul High Street Baptist Church hosted a community prayer event designed to amplify voices from across Martinsville and Henry County. The Rev. Charles Whitfield presided over the event, which brought together local clergy, civic leaders, and residents to pray for peace and unity amid growing divisions within the community.
Other speakers included Martinsville Mayor LC Jones, Elder Arnold Bullock, Dr. Zebedee “Zeb” Talley, Jr., Pastor Avery Preston, Mallori Lowe, Dr. Greg Hodges, Bishop Alan Preston, Rev. Faith Weedling, Elder Tremayne King, Spencer Koger and others.
An estimated more than 200 people attended the hour-long service, available for viewing on the church’s Facebook page. The event featured impassioned speeches and prayers from community leaders. Jones set the tone for the evening with a call for togetherness.
“I want you to understand that tonight is about us as a community,” Jones said, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections despite differences. “It’s a thought of, we are all citizens of Martinsville Henry County.” He stressed that the focus of the night was not on political or council issues but on the broader goal of healing and unity.
The event comes during a time of heightened tension in the city, following contentious election cycles, disputes among council members, and recent remarks by Vice Mayor Aaron Rawls. Against this backdrop, clergy and community leaders took to the pulpit to address the need for cooperation and understanding.
Spencer Koger, executive director of Uptown Partnership, encouraged attendees to embrace their ability to enact change. “No matter what people want to change, they have the opportunity to do that,” Koger said. He added that Martinsville, known as the “City Without Limits,” provides space for individuals to make a difference regardless of their background.
Martinsville Schools Superintendent Zeb Talley, also a member of the clergy, urged the community to rise above negativity. “You can’t afford to listen to folks who tell us what we can’t do,” Talley said, emphasizing faith and perseverance. “We serve a God that can do anything.”
Rev. Whitfield closed the evening with a powerful call to action, reminding attendees that unity is essential for progress. “We have to leave from here tonight and let the naysayers, those who would indict and incite, know that we are victorious,” Whitfield said. He encouraged the community to focus on God’s purposes and work collaboratively toward a brighter future.
“We are not going to allow any level of division to keep us from achieving the purposes in which God has intended for us,” Whitfield said, adding his belief that city hall and the community will see positive change. He also expressed gratitude for the participation of county residents, summarizing the evening’s message with the phrase: “Peace plus partnership equals progress.”
Jones echoed these sentiments, urging citizens to carry the spirit of unity beyond the event. “Let prayer unite us as a community,” Jones said. In a social media comment, he reinforced the evening’s theme: “The power of prayer will keep propelling this city forward in unity. Together, we are better.”
