On Tuesday, April 29 I had the privilege,along with eight hundred other friends, to attend a banquet at the Embassy Suites in honor of Dr. Dan Ireland on the occasion of his retirement, after thirty years leading the Alabama Ciizens Action Program, better known as ALCAP. ALCAP is an interdenominational organization that speaks to moral issues in public life. ALCAP provides educational programs to schools, civic groups, and churches on drug abuse, gambling, alcohol abuse,school violence, and other issues. ALCAP assists local groups involved in public referendums on issues such as alcohol sales, gambling, and Sunday sales of alcohol. Prior to leading ALCAP, Dr. Dan was a well-loved Pastor across our state. Dr. Dan served two years as President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
Dr. Dan is best known for walking the halls of the Alabama legislature to lobby our leaders on these issues. In the role of lobbyist, Dan Ireland is in constant touch with these legislators.
At the banquet in his honor, we heard tributes from leading ministers, his own family, and state leaders including Governor Riley, Lt. Governor Folsom, and State Senator Hank Erwin. But the speech that touched me the most came from Speaker of the House Seth Hammett. In his eloquent and polished manner, Speaker Hammett spoke of Dan Ireland as a lobbyist, and commented that they had been together on some issues and opponents on some issues. But then, Speaker Hammett's voice cracked as he spoke of Dan Ireland's concern for his family in times of need. Speaker Hammett spoke of the confidence that he personally holds for Dan Ireland and the appreciation for knowing that Dan Ireland prays for the Speaker's family.
Dan Ireland receiving an award from Musings from Maytown Editor John Killian
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Among those who express love and appreciation for Dan Ireland are those who have consistently opposed Dan on the issues in the legislature.The Alabama Legislature has officially designated Dr. Dan as Chaplain for the Alabama Legislature. Some who fight Dan Ireland the hardest are the same ones who personally love and appreciate Dan the most. Dan Ireland has represented his cause as a man of God who speaks forthrightly against sin, but who speaks the truth in love.
May God grant good days ahead for Dan Ireland and his wonderful wife of many years, Polly. May God continue to bless the efforts of ALCAP under the leadership of Dr. Joe Godfrey. By the way, you may wish to look at ALCAP's website at ALCAP
3 comments:
John,
I have noted through the years that you are good to give honor to whom honor is due.
Thank you for your tribute to Dan and Polly Ireland. Dan and Polly have been a source of genuine friendship, support and encouragement to me for many years. I happen to know that many, many others have been blessed by their lives. I am grateful to Dan and Polly for the contribution they have made to Alabama Baptist life and for Dan's moral and spiritual leadership among our legislature in Montgomery.
We Alabamaians owe a great debt to Dan. Thank you John for honoring him.
I was at the special recognition event the other night at Embassy Suites. The size of the crowd and the words spoken by so many were all a wonderful outpouring of gratitude...and much deserved.
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