Fri | Jan 10, 2025
The Classics

Photo Flashback: National Prayer Breakfast over the years

Published:Friday | January 10, 2025 | 5:45 AM
Pause
Opposition Leader Michael Manley reading one of the Bible lessons on January 5, 1981 at the National Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Church’s Committee for National Reconciliation and Prayer, at the Kingston Inter-Continental Hotel, downtown Kingston. Seated (from left) at the head table are: Rev Peter Spencer, president of the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals: Rev C. Evans Bailey, head of the Methodist Church; Police Commissioner Wilbert Bowes; Chief Justice, the Hon Kenneth Smith; Mrs Michael Manley; Governor General Sir Florizel Glasspole; the Rev Earl Thames; Prime Minister Edward Seaga; Archbishop Samuel Carter, president of the Jamaica Council of Churches; Col Bunny Stern of the Jamaica Defence Force, and Leacroft Robinson, president of the Court of Appeal.
Rev Carmen Stewart (left), of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union Apostolic, praying at the opening of the National Prayer Breakfast at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, on January 17, 1991. Governor General Florizel Glasspole is beside her, in prayer for peace. Members of the diplomatic corps and business leaders attended the service.
John Keane, director of Christian Literature Crusade, seems to be in deep intercession to God on behalf of JLP senator Olivia 'Babsy' Grange. The occasion was the 12th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, in January 1992. The breakfast was organised by some of the nation’s leading churchmen, as an effort to foster national unity and to seek God’s guidance for the leaders of State, Church, and civic life.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) greets Opposition Leader Edward Seaga following the 14th National Prayer Breakfast at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston in January 1994. Mr Patterson read the first lesson and Mr Seaga, the second. In the backdrop is part of sketches on a banner used to depict the theme of the Prayer Breakfast meeting: 'Healthy Families, Healthy Nation'.
1
2
3
4

The National Prayer Breakfast has become a cornerstone event in Jamaica, fostering unity, reflection, and hope among leaders and citizens alike. Established decades ago, the breakfast brings together government officials, business leaders, clergy, and members of civil society to pray for the nation’s well-being and address pressing social issues. Over the years, it has provided a platform for inspiring messages of faith and reconciliation, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.