Commissioners table National Day of Prayer event at historic courthouse while ordinance is reviewed

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners on March 16 tabled a request from Grace Community Church to hold a National Day of Prayer event on the historic courthouse lawn on May 7, citing an existing county ordinance that limits use of the historic courthouse grounds during hours the facility is open to the public.

Jeff Taylor, the county administrator, introduced the request and said the church expects about 200 attendees and would use a small sound system and portable podium. Mark Beer, who said he is an elder at Grace Community Church, described plans for music and prayer timed to the national observance.

County attorney Steve Olson told commissioners that the ordinance governing the Historic Court Lawn restricts events—including setup and teardown—to times when the historic court facility is closed to the public. "It does appear as though it was set not to allow it to occur during business hours," Olson said, noting that city court is expected to begin operating in the building before May 7.

Commissioners discussed options including moving the event to evening hours when the facility is closed, using designated areas at the new judicial center, limiting activity to sidewalks outside the historic courthouse, or amending the ordinance to accommodate daytime events. One commissioner said the board needs to ensure consistent application of free-speech rules for all users and suggested staff draft an approach that applies to anyone seeking to use the facility.

The board voted to table the item and asked staff to revisit the ordinance and bring options back to the commissioners next week so a consistent solution can be applied to similar requests.

The action was procedural; no change to the ordinance was made at the March 16 meeting.