Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce will once again host the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to commemorate National Day of Prayer.
Slotted for the first Thursday of May each year, National Day of Prayer stands as an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. Many organizations come together to pray for their community on this day.
The El Dorado Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was started by the late Edward Blake, who served as the Mayor of El Dorado from 1985-1997. He began the event as a bet with his friend Jean Plummer after he had won his first Mayoral race. Since the inception, it’s been an El Dorado tradition.
During the annual breakfast, which is catered by Great Western Dining Services, a speaker is present to give their Christian testimony and entertainment of some form is always provided. This year the speaker will be Gerald Haines, an El Dorado native.
Haines is well known as a former educator at USD 490 in El Dorado, a volunteer around the community and most of all being a family man. He grew up in the Rosalia area and graduated from El Dorado Junior College and Emporia Teachers College where he received his Master of Education Administration. From there his teaching career led him around the Butler County area, including Prospect, Burns, Chelsea and Lincoln Elementary Schools as well as a Principal position in Benton before returning to El Dorado as principal.
During his career he married his wife Elsie and fathered his children Cindy, Daniel, Bryan, Jerri Ann and Vince. After retirement, Gerald and Elsie enjoyed an RV travel lifestyle where they made several lifelong friends until Elsie passed away in 2023.
Gerald continues to be an active member of the First Baptist Church in El Dorado and an avid volunteer for Meals on Wheels and singing with the Treble Makers. He will share how he transitioned from a church member to dedicated Christian and his journey of Christian service.
The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce on May 1 beginning at 7am. Tickets are available for members, non-members and the public. For reservations, visit the office at 201 E Central Ave during business hours or call 316-321-3150.
In addition to the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, a group prayer will be held outside of the Butler County Historic Courthouse at 12pm that same day. Local officials and the public are invited to join in prayer around the flagpole in the front lawn located at 205 W Central Ave. This event is non-ticked.
