1 of 6

NEXT GENERATION: An usher stands at the back of the church during the Sunday memorial service honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ in Washington. The Mt. Hebron memorial service for King has taken place for 29 years.

SOLOIST: Fifth-grader Mykyra Hoggard sang a beautiful solo rendition of “For Your Glory.” (Chynna Bonner)

UNITY: Members of the clergy from across Beaufort County gathered for Mt. Hebron’s service honoring King’s legacy.

ENTREATY: Along with many older folks, children of the community were well represented at the Sunday service. The next generation was invited to continue King’s legacy of fighting injustice.

IN PRAYER: Pastor Glenda Lodge, of Cherry Run Church, led those assembled for the service in prayer.

CELEBRATION: Music brought people to their feet to clap and sing along with the Mt. Hebron choir.

Every year, on the second Sunday in January, voices are raised in song at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ. There’s a celebration at work; a celebration of freedom, justice, equality and the man who led America’s Civil Rights movement, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday at 5 p.m., the church opened its doors for “The Dream Lives On!” and to a diverse crowd: children and the elderly; the casually dressed and those wearing church finery; men, women, the clergy, local politicians; black, white.

Organized by a committee led by Florence Lodge and Mildred K. Randolph, the memorial service is a mainstay for the West Sixth Street church. This year’s service featured two choirs — Mt. Hebron’s and St. Luke’s — as well as the St. Luke’s dance team, which performed to “Put A Praise On It,” by Tasha Cobbs. Fifth-grader Mykyra Hoggard sang a solo rendition of “For Your Glory” and speakers representing many area churches came to the pulpit to read scripture and pray with, and for, the assembled crowd.

Pastor Johneice Carroll, of Beebe Chapel, brought the children in attendance forward, and entreated them to “stand up, speak out, join the legacy against injustice. We need your help.”

First Christian Church’s Senior Pastor Dr. Jacob Kines was invited to share his message of unity, King and his legacy. Kines’ message was afterward described as heartfelt and well-received by those in attendance.

“I’ve gone to this service for many years prior but yesterday felt different. We were cocooned inside together, not black and white, but one … away from the turmoil outside,” Chynna Bonner said afterward.

More Top Home

Chrismon wins 4-H competition

Washington resident takes home Whole Hog Barbecue state championship

Plat denial ‘improperly influenced’ by neighbors, owners say

Bath Towne After Dark will provide glimpse of history