Lawnside Churches to Hold 1st Joint King Day Service, Jan. 15

LAWNSIDE, N.J. (January 8, 2024)--Grace Temple Baptist Church and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church are joining with the Grace Temple Community Development Corporation to inaugurate a community-wide commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on his birthday in 2024.

The celebration will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, January 15, the federal holiday, which coincides with Dr. King’s birthdate. Grace Temple, 15 E. Charleston Ave., will host the first service in what will become an annual tradition. Superior Court Judge Morris G. Smith will be the master of ceremonies. Mt. Zion will host the 2025 King Day service.

Keynote speaker Dr. H. Dean Trulear will address the program’s theme, “One Path. . .One People.” Dr. Trulear, is a professor of theology at the Howard University School of Divinity who teaches Ministry and Social Justice Advocacy, Ethics and Politics, Ministry and Criminal Justice, and Church and Community Studies. A published author, essayist, lecturer and sought-after preacher, he received his doctorate and master’s degrees from Drew University and his undergraduate education at Morehouse College, Dr. King’s alma mater.

Dr. Trulear directs a national project called “Healing Communities,” organizing congregations to set up family and social support networks for those returning from incarceration.

In keeping with the theme, combined choirs and musicians from both congregations will offer worship music.

Pastors Clifford L. Still, Sr., of Mt. Zion and Charles L. McNeil, Sr., of Grace Temple thought it fitting to honor the work of the “Drum Major for Justice” consistently in Lawnside. Additionally, a regional unsung hero who works for social justice but receives little recognition will be presented with the Morris L. Smith Award for Social Justice at the program.

The Grace Temple Community Development Corporation will present its first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) scholarship at the event.

Pastor Still said, “Forward is our direction, and we must not grow weary in our love and justice for all.”

Pastor McNeil added, “The history of Lawnside makes it the right place to honor Dr. King and to support those in our area who carry on his legacy. We are excited to press ahead.”

ABOUT

The First Annual Lawnside Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration Service begins a community tradition. Among its conveners, Grace Temple Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization serving residents of Lawnside and surrounding Camden County communities. Grace Temple Baptist Church was founded in 1911 at its current location. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church was organized in 1828 at 134 S. White Horse Pike and is listed as a historic site by the United Methodist Church.