BENNETTSVILLE — The City of Bennettsville will host “A City Set Apart,” a 24-hour public Scripture reading and worship experience on the courthouse square, that will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and will continue through Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
The non-denominational event will bring together area churches, city leaders, individuals, Sunday school classes, and community members for prayer, worship, and a public reading of Scripture over the city. Organizers said all are invited to participate, whether by reading, praying, serving, helping set up, or assisting with tearing down, and volunteers are still needed.
The gathering was inspired by Nehemiah 8, scripture that describes the people of Jerusalem assembling to hear the law of Moses read aloud by Ezra. Much of the Scripture reading will take place from a Bible that belongs to the city and that will be officially donated to Bennettsville following the 24-hour event.
Mayor Tyrone Abraham helped spearhead the effort alongside Pastor Jacob Orr, whose conversations following the National Day of Prayer helped shape the vision for the event. Participating churches include First Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, First Church of the Nazarene, Community of Grace Church, and other area congregations.
Pastor Orr said, “We are looking to change the atmosphere in the city. We want to see Bennettsville enter a golden era that can only happen by our churches coming together. If we want to see change, if we want to see impactful leaders— it is going to come out of our churches.”
Organizers said the event is not intended to be elaborate, but rather a simple and unified act of prayer meant to bless the city and help change its atmosphere. The 24-hour reading will include Scripture readings on the lawn at City Hall and the courthouse, moments of worship, and a final celebration service.
The Marlboro Players are scheduled to read from the book of Revelations during the hour before the final celebration service. Organizers said volunteers are still needed to sign up for reading times, service roles, setup, and cleanup.
Mayor Abraham said the event represents a meaningful opportunity for the community to gather in unity, prayer, and faith. “I believe you can never get enough prayer, and there is something powerful about our community gathering together to seek God and rejoice as one,” he said. Abraham thanked Pastor Joseph Orr and First Lady Orr for sharing their vision, the committee of local pastors for helping bring the event to life, and county administration for making the courthouse square available. He encouraged residents of Bennettsville and surrounding communities to attend, pray together, worship together, and help make “A City Set Apart” a powerful and unforgettable experience.
For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, check out Bennettsville— A City Set Apart’s Facebook page.