Reverend Ray Stokes opens Rockingham County commissioners meeting with invocation

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Rockingham County government building, the Board of Commissioners gathered for their meeting on June 16, 2025. The evening began with a heartfelt invocation led by Reverend Ray Stokes from the nonprofit organization Up Up With Christ Down With Crime, based in Reidsville. His words resonated through the room, calling for blessings on the board and the community, emphasizing the importance of their work in enhancing the quality of life in Rockingham County.

Following the invocation, the atmosphere shifted as Commissioner Hall introduced two young boys, Carter and Asher Cole, who stood proudly to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. At ages 11 and 9, respectively, the brothers, members of Trail Life Troop 007, represented the future of their community, reminding attendees of the values of service and patriotism.

The meeting set a tone of unity and purpose, as the commissioners prepared to discuss various agenda items aimed at fostering educational, economic, and environmental improvements in the county. The invocation and the participation of the young boys highlighted the community's commitment to nurturing the next generation while addressing the pressing issues at hand.

As the evening unfolded, the board's discussions promised to reflect the hopes and aspirations of Rockingham County residents, paving the way for a brighter future. The meeting not only served as a platform for governance but also as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift and support one another in the community.