This will be the 52^nd year the Ross County Ministerial Association and the Kiwanis Club of Chillicothe will sponsor the 215^th OHIO STATEHOOD DAY Annual Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 3, 8:30 am, at Trinity United Methodist Church on East Main Street. The Prayer Breakfast is to commemorate the founding and the beginning of the State of Ohio in Chillicothe, in 1803.

The anniversary speaks to the “now” as well as the past and the future and will bring a renewed dedication to the principles upon which our state was founded. The theme this year is “Grace”.  The guest speakers for the prayer breakfast is a political and clerical representative from each sector. This year speaking on the political platform will be Senator Bob Peterson, Ohio State Senate 17^th District; and the clerical speaker is The Reverend John Karlson, retired Pastor at Voice of Hope Church of God.

The Kiwanis Club will also recognize the recipient of the Ohio Statehood Day Achievement Award; someone who bests represents the “SPIRIT OF OHIO”. This year’s award goes to Joyce C. Atwood, educator, humanitarian, and community servant. Musical selections will be presented by Sydney Tackett, CHS Senior/Key Club.  Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at Trinity United Methodist Church or the Ross County Visitor’s Bureau or at the door day of the breakfast.

The Constitution of the State of Ohio was drafted in Chillicothe in 1802, approved by Congress, and Ohio was admitted to Statehood.  The governing officials were assembled and after being sworn into office, began administering the affairs of the secular government on March 1, 1803 in Chillicothe.  The opening session began with a prayer by a pioneer minister Rev. James Finley.  This prayer asked for divine guidance in all deliberations and judgments of the secular authorities.

Other activities planned to acknowledge Ohio Statehood Day will be tours of the Ross County Heritage Center, Adena Mansion & Gardens, Lucy Hayes Heritage Center, David Nickens Heritage Center and the Genealogical Society.