Global Day of Prayer Recognizes 150th Anniversary

May 27, 2007

Rain was a threatening factor, but 3,000 came to Busch Stadium to join hundreds of millions around the globe in the 3rd annual Global Day of Prayer. In St. Louis, Elijah P. Lovejoy and Dred Scott were recognized for their roles in resisting slavery and fighting for the rights of the beleaguered slaves. Prayers were offered to deal with past and present racism and for repentance, forgiveness and healing for these acts.

One this occasion, an excerpt from a eulogy for Dred Scott originally delivered by a leading civil rights leader of his day, John Milton Turner was read by his great-great granddaughter, Lynne Jackson. Milton wrote this eulogy of Dred Scott for the installation of the newly commissioned oil painting of Dred at the Missouri Historical Society in 1882. The text describes the character and faith of this now famous slave. In light of the way he handled the 11 years of 5 trials, we are not surprised to find that he was known to be a man of character, well acquainted with men whose characters also were unquestionable, trusting in God for the resolution of all things, whereby they were indeed forthwith vindicated.

Dred’s wife, Harriet, has always been known to have been a member of the First African Church in St. Louis pastored by the Rev. John Anderson. This was in the church membership records. Some have questioned whether or not Dred was also active in the faith. The text of the eulogy makes it clear that Dred was indeed a man whose faith in God was known and obvious to those around him and that his commitment was steadfast in heart and in deed.

The documentation was provided by the Rev. Robert Tabscott, historian, researcher and founder of

The Elijah P. Lovejoy Society.