By Abigail Roberts
What began as a prayer service for Stanford’s Mayor ended in a revival as people lined up to be baptized in his front yard.
The community came together Wednesday night to cover Mayor Dalton Miller in prayer as he continues his battle with cancer. Miller was diagnosed with colon cancer about two years ago.
The crowd of over 100 people gathered at Pettus Court in Miller’s front yard.
Miller was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up on his doorstep to lift him up in prayer.
“I just want to thank God for friends like y’all, for family. It’s so amazing to feel this much love. Can you imagine as a community what we could do if we all came together and we were all doing God’s work daily,” Miller said.
Miller jokingly said he knew he knew a lot of people, but he didn’t know that many people liked him.
“I want you all to know that I truly do love, truly love each and every one of you,” he said.
Tim Estes presented Miller with the first 2026 Relay for Life t-shirt and medal saying it is important to give people their flowers while they are still alive.
“That’s what the community is here to do tonight,” Estes said. “We’re here to show love to Dalton. We’re here to let him know how much we love him and how much we’re praying for him.”
A Relay for Life jeep ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. The Hope Ride is in honor of Dalton Miller and all proceeds will go to help fight cancer and cancer research.
Miller said he has lived a full life and has done everything he wanted to do except for two things: watch his wife grow old and his grandchildren grow up.
“I’ll take the bad days, because the bad days are still days,” Miller said.
The community gathered on Miller’s front porch, many putting their hands on each other as they prayed over him. As the evening continued, a farm trough full of water was placed in the front yard and a total of 12 people were baptized.
