Louisiana Baptists say atmosphere for inauguration is 'Absolutely electric!'

By Will Hall, Message Editor

WASHINGTON — Louisiana Baptists in the nation’s capital say the atmosphere is “absolutely electric” as they await the official ceremony marking the transfer of power between Barack H. Obama and Donald J. Trump.

Patti Hankins, wife of Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director David Hankins, said the crowds at purposely Christian activities were enormous, including a line more than two blocks long to attend a special prayer service Thursday at Greater New Hope Baptist Church – an event sponsored by Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a Louisiana Baptist who is interim pastor of Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, Greenwell Springs.

But even just visiting congressional offices in the Capitol and taking part in festivities around the city, she said, “The Christian presence here is so strong, you can feel it!”

Karen and Tommy Middleton and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) share a laugh during a presidential inauguration event. Middleton is director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge and a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Johnson is a member of First Baptist Church in Bossier City.
A line forms to enter a prayer service at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., was the site for a prayer service prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
A crowd gathers outside Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., the site of a prayer service prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
A group of Louisiana Baptists gather after arriving in Washington, D.C., for presidential inauguration activities.
Tommy Middleton, director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, visits with U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and others in Washington, D.C.
Louisiana Baptists Executive Director David Hankins addresses U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), US. Rep. John Abraham (R-LA) and other Louisiana Baptists at the Hart Building in Washington, D.C.