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Vol 24, No. 3 •July 2024
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In the pulpit or behind his horse, Lanier finds his happy place By Lucy Weber Whether he’s in his Sunday best or in his blue and maroon racing suit, Dennis Lanier is ready for his favorite activities. Lanier, a Starkville resident, serves at Kingdom in Glory Church in Maben, and he is also a well-known harness racer on tracks from here to Michigan. He knew he wanted to do both “since I was really young.” Lanier has been busy serving as the assistant pastor, preaching, and leading people to Christ for about 12 years at the church. His wife, Rena Lanier, is the church’s lead pastor. “You have to do the will of God” to be saved, Lanier said, adding that these days too many people have left the church. He calls that “the great fall away.” “In these days and times, too many people want to stay home. You’ve got to want it (being saved) for yourself,” he said. Lanier said he tells people, “once you come in and relieve the burden on their shoulders,” that they will find their way to salvation.“ You invite people to come like you are. You have to come to the Lord. I have been going to church all my life.
“If He’s chosen you, you can’t get away,” he said. In July, Kingdom in Glory will lead a tent revival, and all are welcome to come, Lanier said. Just like church, Lanier said that being around horses and running pacers around a track have been important aspects of his life. “I’ve been dealing with horses since I was 5 or 6.” He is the owner of four horses, and three of them are harness racers able to run on racetracks that are anywhere from one-half to five-eighths to one mile in length. “My best horse, she’s bred real good.” Over the years, he’s raced all over, including a lot of time in Chicago and Indiana. Recently, in June, he drove his sulky in races in Michigan. Harness racing involves the driver sitting in a seat located between two wheels and “watching everybody on the track” while the horse gets up to speeds of 30 miles per hour, he said. “It’s built to go. You have to have a lot of training to do this.” While training his horses keeps him busy, Lanier said he doesn’t take the reins as often in a race as he used to. But when he does, “I feel happy.”
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POSTAL PATRON Dennis Lanier
The Enduring Legacy and Modern Challenges of Harness Racing
Harness racing, a sport that elegantly marries tradition and athleticism, has been captivating audiences for centuries. From its roots in ancient chariot races to its refined modern form, where powerful Standardbred horses trot or pace around tracks pulling sleek sulkies, harness racing has developed a unique and passionate following. However, as we celebrate this rich heritage, we must also address the contemporary challenges facing the sport to ensure its future prosperity. The origins of harness racing can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where chariot races were a staple of competitive and ceremonial life. Fast forward to the 17th and 18th centuries, and we find the sport evolving in Europe, particularly in France, where the French Trotter breed continued on page 4