HBC Marks 9/11 Anniversary with Interfaith Prayers and Dedication of Peace Pole

     Members of Highland Baptist Church will gather on Sunday, September 11, with hopeful prayers of reconciliation and a newly-constructed Peace Pole to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

     In the morning worship services, the congregation will write prayers of peace on white ribbons. Following the 11:00 a.m. service, these prayer ribbons will intermingle with prayer ribbons from local Jewish and Muslim leaders and be buried together at the dedication of the new Peace Pole. Highland’s Mission and Justice Ministry Group, the sponsors of the new Peace Pole, hope that this visual sign for peace will serve as a beacon to all who pass the corner of Grinstead Drive and Cherokee Road. “May peace prevail on earth” is inscribed into the pole in English, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic.

     The Peace Pole Project, an international movement of The World Peace Prayer Society, traces its beginnings back to Japan in 1955. Led by Masahisa Goi following the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Peace Poles have been erected around the world from Cambodia to Canada as international symbols of Peace. Their purpose is to spread the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in the languages of the world.

     “We're planting the peace pole, along with our prayers for peace, as a way of saying clearly that we believe peace on earth is the dream of God,” said Highland Baptist Pastor Joe Phelps. “We hope this pole with be a reminder to us as we come and go from church, as well as to those who pass by our sanctuary on Cherokee Road, that the worship of God and peace on earth have to go hand in hand.”

     Highland Baptist is no stranger to marking their passion for peace on the front lawn. Every December, white wooden crosses are staked in the ground, each marking the life of one killed in Louisville in an act of violence that year. The church also held an impromptu worship service of lament and petition the evening of the terrorist attacks 10 years ago, and the room was filled with a standing-room-only crowd seeking solace in community.

     All are welcome to join!