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Presbyterians, City Celebrate 145 Years
Presbyterian, Abilene History: A Minter Family Legacy

Editor’s note: Glenn Dromgoole will lead the singing of this hymn following his presentation Wednesday night at First Central Presbyterian Church. The Wednesday, Feb. 25, event is part of the church’s–and the city’s–145th anniversary. Dromgoole’s presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.

By Glenn Dromgoole

On March 15, Abilene will be observing its 145^th birthday. Twenty years ago, to commemorate the city’s 125^th anniversary, Greg Young and I wrote a hymn called “A Prayer for Abilene,” and it was sung at a city-wide worship service. It is set to the tune of O Waly, Waly, found in most hymnals. Maybe your congregation would like to sing it as a prayer – and aspiration — for our fine city.

O, Lord, we ask your grace on all
Those here and those foreseen;
Make this a place where wisdom reigns,
That’s our prayer for Abilene.

Give us great joy and peace of mind,
Let kindness rule supreme;
Make this a place that you ordain,
That’s our prayer for Abilene.

O, Lord, bestow on us your love,
Young and old and in between;
Make this a place your love sustains,
That’s our prayer for Abilene.

We ask your blessing on our town,
Let service be our theme;
Make this a place that is humane,
That’s our prayer for Abilene.

Glenn Dromgoole is an author and shop owner. Greg Young is a pharmacist and musician.