City of Hattiesburg Hosts Prayer Service for Tornado Anniversary

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – On Sunday, January 21 at 7 a.m. the City of Hattiesburg will host a prayer service and a moment of silence to reflect on the one-year anniversary of the 2017 tornado at Eastside/Friendship Park (1009 Rebecca Avenue). The service focuses on the lives that were lost and the damage sustained to the area, but more importantly, it focuses on the resiliency shown by Hattiesburg residents to rebuild and move forward. “January 21, 2017, is forever ingrained in the memories of Hattiesburg residents,” Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Baker said. “Sunday’s service will provide an opportunity to reflect on those who lost their lives and to call us to recommit to the long-term rebuilding of affected neighborhoods.” The agenda will include prayers by the Rev. Joseph Scott of East Jerusalem Baptist Church and the Rev. Ron Regan of New Testament Baptist Church. Afterwards, Barbara Hamilton, Mayor Toby Barker, and former Mayor Johnny DuPree (who was in office during the time of the tornado) will make remarks on behalf of William Carey University. The service will conclude with a moment of silence and music. The public is invited to attend.