Program commemorates Dr. King

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Wappingers Falls) - For 19 years, the greater Wappingers Falls community has commemorated Dr. King’s life - this year was no exception.

On Sunday, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church played host for a two-hour service that featured uplifting gospel music, prayers, a speaker and fellowship.

This year’s theme was “Champions of Peace.” Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Barbara Jordan and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were portrayed.

Josephus Galloway, portraying Mahatma Gandhi, entered the church with a walking staff. Walking slowly up the center isle, he paused briefly here and there to say hello as Gandhi did. He recounted the life of the spiritual leader who became the model for passive resistance and master of non-violence techniques.

Mother Teresa, portrayed by Deaconess Beverly Moses, recounted the life of the nun who became famous for her work with poor people. At an early age Mother Teresa was called to help others, “It is important that everyone is seen as the same in front of God-Muslim, Jew, Catholic,” she said.

Barbara Jordan, portrayed by Arvenia Brown, recounted the impressive history of the first woman and first African-American woman to address the Democratic National Convention. The US Representative after leaving politics would become a teacher. She said, “I stand for unity, equality, accountability and American ideals. I want an America as good as its promise!”

Lloyd Wilkins rounded out the “Champions of Peace” presentation with his portrayal of Dr. King. He recounted the many facets of King’s life: the Nobel Prize winner, the Reverend, the father, the marches and his death.

Keynote speaker Rev. Gail A. Burger, realized in her preparation, a haunting connection with the slain civil rights leader. Burger’s son is 39-the age at which King was assassinated. “He was so young and had so much more life to life,” she said.

Burger, the former executive director of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council, said she was impressed by the size of the Sunday afternoon crowd, however she wished the wonderful messages and portrayals of the “Champions of Peace” could have been heard by more people. With a couple hundred people in the pews, she encouraged everyone present to keep addressing the issues as King did. And teach the children who he was, and what he stood for.

Poverty. War. Discrimination. Social Injustice. These issues must still be addressed. “We still have lots of work to do,” said Burger. Rev. William Dalrymple in closing remarks said of King, “He called us to be better than we are.” And we must be, to keep the dream alive.

Pictured Above: The Angels Without Wings, sang praises during the “Champions of Peace” celebration, honoring the life and death of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Barbara Jordan, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.