Community worship service remembers King's legacy

Dr. King was likened to Moses, who saw the promised landfor his people.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Members of the Interfaith and Interracial Clergy Dialogue Group and worshippers from around the Mahoning Valley came together during a community worship service to remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the message of peace for which he died.
Sunday's service at Third Baptist Church in Youngstown marked the 20th annual worship service by the dialogue group. A community workshop was to be from 9 a.m. to noon today at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave.
"This community worship service is where we give thanks for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what he brought us," said Elsie L. Dursi, Mahoning Valley Association of Churches. "Monday will be the time to learn and implement what Dr. King taught us."
'Our Moses': The Rev. Kelvin Turner, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church and speaker at the worship service, likened Dr. King to the biblical Moses in his life's work and death.
"Moses saw the promised land," said the Rev. Mr. Turner. "I heard Dr. King say 'I would like to live a long life. ... I am not fearing any man. ... Mine eyes have seen the glory. I have been to the mountain top. And I've looked over and I've seen the promised land.' Yes, Dr. King was our Moses."
Mr. Turner focused the majority of his talk on the peaceful message taught by Dr. King, how far society is from true peace, and what it will take to achieve that level of peace. He said measured steps must be taken to reach the goal of peace taught by Dr. King.
Realizing the dream: Mr. Turner said a true discussion of racism and injustice must be brought to the table, drugs eradicated from communities, education pushed to the forefront and a more active role in parenting taken, among other things, before Dr. King's dream can truly be realized.
He said it is imperative that society not lose another generation and that it make young people understand the importance of working to achieve a peaceful end. In doing so, he said, parents must become primary role models and sit down and talk to their children instead of allowing television and Hollywood images to assume that role.
Workshop today: The Rev. William Brewster of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio said today's workshop would delve into applying peace and other ideals taught by Dr. King to societal issues such as welfare reform, justice and equality in education.
"We hope people will take away a renewed spirit and understanding that it is possible to work on these community issues in the spirit of Dr. King," the Rev. Mr. Brewster said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com