In 1953, then U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated and hosted the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Bear with me as there is a Delta connection.
The former Allied commander in Europe during the Second World War opted for a peaceful exchange between world leaders in Washington. This was Eisenhower's response to the escalating tensions between world leaders and the Cold War following the armed aggression ending in 1945.
This gathering linking spiritual values with leadership became an instant success. All subsequent U.S. presidents have led the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, an event held annually on the first Thursday of February.
Now titled the American National Prayer Breakfast and hosted by the United States Congress, it is attended by 3,500 world leaders from over 100 countries. In 1973, Canada's federal government initiated its own National Prayer Breakfast with similar success. Delta followed in 1974. Then Delta Chamber of Commerce president John Morrison, a businessman and North Delta resident, and Ladner's John Friesen, amongst others, initiated the Chamber Of Commerce Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Delta Town & Country Inn.
This site was chosen because of its central location to our three communities. Delta's 40th Prayer Breakfast was held earlier this month and was a sold out affair.
Always in attendance are Delta's mayor, councillors, elected provincial and federal personages, religious and community leaders and residents at large. An offshoot of this annual affair is an ongoing local leadership breakfast meeting held on the first Monday of each month.
Delta's annual event is now hosted by a local committee of six chaired by Greg Muirhead. The longevity of this annual event is derived in part from the passionate leadership of a few, supported by an outstanding speakers list and an atmosphere of good fellowship.
Delta's first guest speaker in 1974, Rev. Herbert J. Brandt, now a robust 90 years young, was active in this year's proceedings. Various religious and business leaders and politicians have graced the head table speakers list. Those in attendance have heard testimony from star athletes such as Paul Henderson, hero of the 1972 Canada-Russia hockey series, and astronaut Colonel James Irwin of moon buggy fame, to name just a couple.
Delta's connection to the American National Prayer Breakfast was the attendance in 1992 of Dee A. Jepsen, special cabinet advisor on women's issues to then president Ronald Reagan, who brought her message to a Canadian audience.
These successful leaders all expressed strong spiritual values as an integral part in their professional and personal lives.
Delta's Dale Saip introduced this year's keynote speaker, Dr. Dan Unrau. An academic and local pastor, he spoke of his many experiences, including time spent with survivors in African refugee camps and the palpable discomfort whenever in contact with government soldiers and officials. A noted author and talented storyteller, his message and light-hearted presentation were well received. And a good night to you, Dale.
