Union African Methodist Episcopal Church hosts celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

WARWICK - Last Monday, Jan. 17, members of the Warwick United African Methodist Episcopal Church (UAME) and guests from throughout the Warwick community, including pastors from the Warwick Reformed Church, the Church of the Nazarene, and local officials celebrated Martin Luther King Day. Rev. Dr. Robert A. Brown, pastor, Rev. Theresa Meli, worship leader, and members of the church sponsored the event. They were all gathered to honor the memory of Dr. King, the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner who was assassinated in 1968. Following the reading of the litany by Rev. Michael Otte, pastor of the Warwick Reformed Church, young children from the Union Youth Ministry took turns offering tributes to Dr. King. Guests, who also gave short presentations, included Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard, Judge Nancy D’Angelo, Judge Peter Barlet, the Rev. Bruce Bernard, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene and Cedric Glasper, president and CEO of Mechanical Rubber. The UAME Tabernacle Choir with Sister E’lissa Jones-Leonard and the Praise Team for the Church of the Nazarene helped to make this a memorable occasion. During the service Rev. Dr. Robert A. Brown gave a moving sermon and final benediction. Brown said that Martin Luther King’s dream would have been only a dream unless something was done to make it come true. And that his legacy demands that we all must do something, one on one, to demonstrate that we care for others and will do something to fulfill a dream to help all those in need. Brown plans to reestablish an organization at his church that he once successfully ran in Queens. JAM (Jesus and me) will serve the community and help combat the problem of drugs and alcohol or other concerns among its youthful members or anyone of any age. And Brown will invite all local pastors and officials to work closely with him. Following the service, guests were invited to share refreshments with church members.

What people said
I never met Martin Luther King but he is my mentor and the mentor of us all.
Cedric Glasper, president and CEO of Mechanical Rubber
Dr. King’s beliefs and convictions are what we need today.
Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton
Thank God for this day and for Dr. King.
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Brown, pastor, Warwick United African Methodist Episcopal Church
Let all Americans continue to carry forward the banner that 18 years ago fell from Dr. King’s hands. Today, all over America, libraries, hospitals, parks and thoroughfares proudly bear his name. His likeness appears on more than 100 postage stamps issued by dozens of nations around the globe. Today we honor him with speeches and monuments. But let us do more. Let all Americans of every race and creed and color work together to build in this blessed land a shining city of brotherhood, justice and harmony. This is the monument Dr. King would have wanted most of all. Ronald Reagan