MLK Community Service Not Deterred By Weather

Religion

Although the wintry mixed posed a threat, the annual Martin Luther King Community Worship Service drew a large crowd on Jan. 19 to First Baptist Church, Lexington’s oldest independent African American church.

The Rev. Dr. Roscoe Cooper, who is celebrating more than 50 years in ministry and is currently serving the Metropolitan African American Baptist Church in Richmond as a senior pastor, was the keynote speaker.

Cooper challenged the congregation to uphold the dream of Dr. King and work toward committing to the beloved community. “The blueprint God has for humanity begins with us seeing one another as equals and God wants us to be his people,” he said.

A thunderous standing ovation was rendered upon Dr. Cooper’s conclusion, after which the congregation sang “We Shall Overcome” and Pastor Anita Lucord with Trinity United Methodist Church, gave the final prayer.

The service started with guest organist William McCorkle playing “Amazing Grace” on the pipe organ, and a call to worship by host pastor McKinley Williams.

A number of local pastors participated in the service with readings and prayers, including Justin Clement, Grace Presbyterian; Skyler Daniel, Manly Memorial Baptist; Paul Gillispie, Hoke Chapel United Methodist; and Malcolm Brownlee, Bethesda Presbyterian.

Several community leaders also gave greetings, including Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman; Herbert Rubenstein, with local Democrats; Pastor Andrew Ditzel on behalf of the Rockbridge area clergy; Harper Donahoe with the Rockbridge Regional Library; Pastor Adam Schultz with Project Horizon; Jennifer Dent, executive director of the United Way; Pastor Reginald Early, representing the local NAACP chapter; Clyde Hart, Rockbridge Area Health Center; and retired Pastor William Klein, Lexington Presbyterian Church.

After the service, a reception was held in the downstairs fellowship hall and Pastor Tuck Bowerfind of Grace Episcopal brought the St John’s Bible and displayed it in the First Baptist Church Mini Art Museum.