Schoharie County 8th Annual “All Faiths” Prayer Breakfast

COBLESKILL – Faith-based and community organizations have a long tradition of helping Americans in need and together represent an integral part of our nation’s social service network.”  This is the opening statement from a January 29, 2001, release from President George W. Bush’s White House.  And on April 16, 2026, the residents of Schoharie County proved the truthfulness of that statement.  In the early hours of that Thursday morning, forty-five members of our community, representing the diverse faiths of our friends and neighbors, gathered at the 8th annual Schoharie County “All Faiths” Prayer Breakfast held at the Chieftans Bar & Grill. 

The gathering started with a welcome from Pastor David Houck, who hosted the event.  Attendees stood for the Posting of Colors by the Schoharie County American Legion Honor Guard, the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the U.S. National Anthem.  Following the welcome, community religious leaders and laypeople read from the Holy Bible, Torah, Book of Mormon and Holy Quran.  Readings that spoke of our Creator’s call for us, His children, to serve those in need.  Readings that spoke of desiring peace between His children, no matter their faith, culture or customs.  Readings that ask us to pray for His children, to pray that all hearts are turned to service and peace. 

Mike Saccocio, Executive Director of the City Mission of Schenectady was the keynote speaker.  He shared the mission’s work, serving residents of the 100 bed homeless shelter located across the street from Proctor’s Theater.  As part of that effort, local businesses provide jobs to those working to rebuild their lives.  The next time you see a show, the person who directs your parking or greets you at the door may only have had to cross the street to their job that day.

The Prayer Breakfast is the continuation of a tradition started in the early 1900s.  In 1953, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower organized the first National Prayer Breakfast which included federal and local government officials, Supreme Court justices, members of the military, community service leaders and local citizens.  This year it celebrated its 83rd anniversary.  The tradition has spread across the U.S. and around the world, taking place in government buildings, military installations, worship halls and even in local pubs.

Let us continue to Pray and Work together to make our community of villages, towns, cities, counties, states and nation places where everyone is safe, accepted and respected.  Look for next year’s Prayer Breakfast in April 2027.  All are welcome.

Submitted by Judy Locke