Approximately 50 people gathered outside Sunrise’s Spring Meadows Center in Mt. Washington, Kentucky on May 1 to dedicate a newly-constructed gazebo called “The Prayer Place.”

This new structure is designed for boys currently living at Spring Meadows, along with the staff and visitors, to enjoy a time of prayer and even worship, if they choose.

The gazebo was dedicated in memory of Mike Dixon, former religious life leader for Sunrise/Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children. Spring Meadows was located in Middletown, Kentucky, at the time Dixon was working at Sunrise.

Belinda Snider, current treasurer of the Spring Meadows Ladies Auxiliary, shared during the dedication program that Dixon dreamed a worship place would be constructed inside one of the buildings on Shelbyville Road in Middletown.

The Ladies Auxiliary began raising money at that time for this project. But in 2006, Spring Meadows moved to Mt. Washington, and in 2011, Dixon retired. The dream was put on hold – until just recently.

“Emmanuel Maize (current Spring Meadows program director) came up with the idea for an outdoor place for prayer,” said Snider. “We finally completed our longest-running project, being dedicated to the Lord and in memory of Mike Dixon.”

Unfortunately, Dixon would not see the completion of his dream, having passed in 2014. But his widow, Carla Dixon, attended the dedication and shared that Mike would be very thankful for an outside building that everyone could use. “Mike was an active, outside guy,” she said. “His heart was in Sunrise; he cried when he left. And he never cried!”

Fittingly, the dedication program for The Prayer Place began and ended with prayer led by Pastor Justin Walker of Salt and Light Baptist Church in LaGrange, Kentucky. “Amazing Grace” was led by worship leader Kirk Whitehouse, also from Salt and Light Baptist.

Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Bond welcomed guests to the dedication, and First Vice President Linda Morton performed the ribbon cutting, with Spring Meadows direct care counselors Latanya Germany and Stewart Haag assisting.

Maize concluded the proceedings with closing remarks. “Thanks to everyone who made this possible,” he said. “I know past auxiliary ladies are with Mike rejoicing in heaven today.”

Also in attendance were Mt. Washington Mayor Stuart Owen, Mt. Washington chief and assistant chief of the police department, Sunrise staff, and Sunrise supporters.

Special thanks to the Spring Meadows Ladies Auxiliary for raising money for this important project!

Written by Sunrise Director of Communications David Lyninger