Woodlands Villager - News
MLK Celebration returns Jan. 19 after hiatus
By T.L. HAMILTON
After a one-year hiatus in 2007, the annual MLK Celebration returns Jan. 19 for its 21st year.
St. Paul Church in The Woodlands is presenting the celebration commemorating the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as it has in years past.
“Last year the music ministers took a break on the event, but we'll come back better than ever this year,” said Lorrie Parise, spokeswoman for The Woodlands Development Company, which is sponsoring the event. “It draws thousands of people from all across the county.”
The event will be at noon Jan. 19 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive. The public is invited to attend this free tribute.
The commemorative tribute will be given by Pastor Roche Coleman of St. Paul Church. Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College, a master’s of arts in biblical studies from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s of theology-Old Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary, where he is working towards his doctorate.
Highlights of the King celebration also include the Drum Major Award, given annually in recognition to an outstanding individual or business in Montgomery County who best exemplifies the teachings of King.
Rita Wiltz, a community activist in Tamina, won the award a few years ago, and participates in the celebration’s choir each year.
“It’s a wonderful event that gives this message of hope,” she said.
Winners of essay and poster contests for students in the Conroe Independent School District also will be announced.
Anchorman Tim Melton from KTRK-TV Channel 13 Houston will serve as master of ceremonies.
Myrna Irons, one of the original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands, is the event’s chairwoman. Several music directors from local churches will lead The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Mass Choir.
“I've met so many friends singing every year,” Wiltz said. “Every year the choir grows and grows. We sound pretty good this year.”
Directors include Don Barrick, minister of music for First Baptist Church of The Woodlands; Joseph McKinney, minister of music for StoneBridge Church; Michael Pickett of Pleasant Hill Church; Gregory Coleman of Rising Star Baptist Church in Conroe; and Eulalia King of Eulalia King Ministries.
“Dr. Martin Luther King was an exceptional and outstanding leader and its important for the community to remember this great man,” Parise said. “It's been a tradition in The Woodlands for so long.”
More info
For more information, call St. Paul Church at 281-363-0220.
St. Paul Church in The Woodlands is presenting the celebration commemorating the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as it has in years past.
“Last year the music ministers took a break on the event, but we'll come back better than ever this year,” said Lorrie Parise, spokeswoman for The Woodlands Development Company, which is sponsoring the event. “It draws thousands of people from all across the county.”
The event will be at noon Jan. 19 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive. The public is invited to attend this free tribute.
The commemorative tribute will be given by Pastor Roche Coleman of St. Paul Church. Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College, a master’s of arts in biblical studies from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s of theology-Old Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary, where he is working towards his doctorate.
Highlights of the King celebration also include the Drum Major Award, given annually in recognition to an outstanding individual or business in Montgomery County who best exemplifies the teachings of King.
Rita Wiltz, a community activist in Tamina, won the award a few years ago, and participates in the celebration’s choir each year.
“It’s a wonderful event that gives this message of hope,” she said.
Winners of essay and poster contests for students in the Conroe Independent School District also will be announced.
Anchorman Tim Melton from KTRK-TV Channel 13 Houston will serve as master of ceremonies.
Myrna Irons, one of the original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands, is the event’s chairwoman. Several music directors from local churches will lead The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Mass Choir.
“I've met so many friends singing every year,” Wiltz said. “Every year the choir grows and grows. We sound pretty good this year.”
Directors include Don Barrick, minister of music for First Baptist Church of The Woodlands; Joseph McKinney, minister of music for StoneBridge Church; Michael Pickett of Pleasant Hill Church; Gregory Coleman of Rising Star Baptist Church in Conroe; and Eulalia King of Eulalia King Ministries.
“Dr. Martin Luther King was an exceptional and outstanding leader and its important for the community to remember this great man,” Parise said. “It's been a tradition in The Woodlands for so long.”
More info
For more information, call St. Paul Church at 281-363-0220.
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