(Ohio's First Capital) -- The Chillicothe Kiwanis Club and the Ross County Ministerial Association began its tradition of a Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast due to the shared interest of several Kiwanians who wanted to promote the history of the First Capital and the Northwest Territory. Just as officials of the newly formed State of Ohio began its first session with a prayer, the Chillicothe Kiwanis Club kicks-off the annual Statehood Day Celebration with its symbolic Prayer Breakfast.
During the Prayer Breakfast, the Chillicothe Kiwanis Club presents a “Spirit of Ohio” Achievement Award to a member of the community who has made a difference in the lives of Ross County residents. This year, the Club will bestow the “Spirit of Ohio” Achievement Award to Adena Health System on behalf of the frontline and essential workers and their dedication in the field of health as they spent tireless hours, risking their lives, saving lives, and overcoming challenges due to the pandemic. Their actions and commitment truly reflect and represents the Spirit of Ohio.
Although the conventional Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast will not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Chillicothe Kiwanis Club plans to keep the 55-year tradition going, albeit a little differently in 2021. The “Spirit of Ohio” Achievement Award will be presented to frontline workers at Adena Health System and shared to the community through the Club’s Facebook page. Additionally, the members of the Ross County Ministerial Association have been asked to continue their tradition by establishing Statehood Sunday on March 7, 2021 to pray for guidance for our city, county, state, and country officials during their services.
Ohio became the 17th State of the Union after congress approved Ohio’s Constitution and it was signed by President Jefferson. The first Ohio General Assembly convened in Chillicothe and began conducting “state” business for the first time on March 1, 1803. Chillicothe, the first Capital of Ohio, continues to celebrate this significant achievement of Statehood on the first Saturday in March. Typical years feature the Prayer Breakfast along with special tours and Statehood Day programming by many of the city’s historical attractions.