On Thursday, March 31, the Okmulgee City-Wide Prayer Band celebrated 65 years of gathering for prayer. Rev. W. M. Haynes founded the Prayer Band in 1957. Today, Rev. Gregory Richardson of Conversion Church leads as the Prayer Band Pastor (above, right) with Sis. Mary Mitchell the Prayer Band Mother, Sis. Geneva Hanson President and Assistant Secretary Angelia Franks. The guest speaker for the celebration was Rev. McKinley Rice Pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church (above, left). He so spoke from 1 Peter 4:7-10 saying, “Get ready church ... time is running out ... so keep preaching ... keep loving.” COURTESY PHOTO