Hundreds have gathered in front of the Rowan County administration building for a rally in support of county commissioners’ right to pray before meetings.

Return America, based near Winston-Salem, organized the rally.

Those gathered just beneath the room where commissioners hold their meetings started by singing patriotic songs, then began singing hymns. They filled sidewalks on West Innes Street in front of the building and crowded street corners across from the building.

Some estimates predicted thousands could attend the rally. Post reporter Mark Wineka says numbers appear to be approaching 1,000. Many arrived in church buses.

Rowan commissioners have been sued by the ACLU, representing three local residents who say they feel marginalized by the prayers before meetings, which are overwhelmingly Christian.

Tuesday’s Post will have full coverage of the rally.