The celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is coming to a statue of him in Fountain Park, thanks to a neighborhood church.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Fountain Park community will host a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance at the statue of Dr. King adjacent to the church at 4950 Fountain Ave. This statue is the oldest of the three local African-American statues placed in 1978.
The theme of the event is “Being the Dream – A Call to Unity.”
There will be a brief service with speakers from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National Benevolent Association of the Disciples of Christ denomination, state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr., 18th Ward Alderman, Terry Kennedy and others. Prior to a neighborhood march, a balloon release will take place.
Upon return to the church, light refreshments will be offered as the transition to the panel discussion on the relevance of Dr. King’s philosophies to the present day, moderated by Chuck Alphin of Building Life Foundations Non-Violence Center.
In an effort to reach all ages, an essay and art competition is being extended to Washington Montessori School, Lewis Place Afterschool Program and the surrounding area for grades K-5, with prizes being awarded during Centennial’s worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 14.
Normandy High School Men’s Ensemble will render “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” with a unique arrangement. The St. Louis Marching Cobras of St. Louis’ 27th Ward will lead the gathering in a one-mile march to promote peace and unity in the Fountain Park and Lewis Place neighborhoods.
Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a 113-year-old congregation located in the Central West End community of St. Louis that believes in engaging the love of God by serving and supporting others, empowering our neighbors, and standing with those in need.
“Centennial has made it our mission and purpose to stand in solidarity with others by doing what we can to transform lives, communities and the many oppressive realities that exist. We are a church that is concerned about the plight of humanity and community, and use the Holy Scriptures for our foundation for engaging service and mission as a key tenet of our faith,” organizers said.
“We are the people of God who love one another and share that love by building ministries that reach, teach, and win souls for Christ. Our vision continues to be ‘a lighthouse for all who will seek the Lord’ as we remain an anchor in the Fountain Park community.
Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is located at 4950 Fountain Ave. Rev. Derrick L. Perkins Sr. is servant and pastor. Call 314-367-1818 or email cccstl@sbcglobal.net.
