Independent Tribune
Monday, January 21, 2008
www.independenttribune.com

Service in Concord honors Martin Luther King

By Justin Vick

CONCORD - Residents throughout Cabarrus County attended a community-wide gospel service Sunday at the Logan Multi-Purpose Center to celebrate the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.

The event was part of the Logan community's 18th annual King celebration, but attracted people from surrounding areas such as Oakboro.

The Rev. Willie Hicks said a gospel service was fitting for the celebration, not just for King's work in the ministry, but also for his ability to unite people.

"God used him to become an advocate for Jesus Christ so people could come together," said Hicks, host of the gospel service. "The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King is a depiction of the things Christ did to get people to love one another."

The service was filled with songs that appealed to young and old, from "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye" to the Rev. Roland Jordan's rendition of "Old Time Religion."

Proclamations from Concord Mayor Scott Padgett and Mount Pleasant Mayor Troy Barnhardt urging people to honor King's principles were read. Other dignitaries in attendance included Cabarrus District Court Judge Marty McGee and U.S. Congress hopeful Larry Kissell.

Kissell, a high school social studies teacher from Montgomery County, said King's legacy should also be about improving the lives of young children and everyone - a sentiment echoed throughout the program.

Concord City Councilwoman Ella Mae Small said she was proud to see so many young people in attendance, appreciative of the personal sacrifices King made to improve the quality of life for all people.

The Rev. Ruth Brooks challenged those in attendance to inspire and teach the youth.

"God has implanted in each one of us a dream," Brooks said. "What are we doing to make sure what Martin Luther King started does not stop? For generations to come, how are we paving the way?"