Several Triangle Events Celebrate MLK

RALEIGH — In Garner Sunday, two area groups joined hands to pay tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.. They did so by worshiping in racial harmony with two congregations gathered in one church. Members of the predominately white Providence Baptist Church and the predominately black New Canaan Baptist Church came together to honor King. New Canaan member Mary Mangum says it felt like an appropriate thing to do.

Providence member Jennie Burke says the key is togetherness.

The idea for the joint worship originated with the two pastors.Providence's Reverend David Horner says he thinks the church is setting an example.

Reverend Leonard Farrah of New Canaan says what starts in the church can spread.

Farrah says the King's work and that of other civil rights leaders can bring people together regardless of their race, creed or color, and that Sunday's service proves that point.

The two churches are also planning a unity and harmony crusade for April of this year. It will be held in Raleigh at Carter-Finley stadium.

Meanwhile, people all over the Triangle have plans to honor Doctor Martin Luther King Monday.

The Martin Luther King Water Monument will be unveiled in a special ceremony at 4 p.m. at the MLK Gardens in Raleigh.

Monday night, there will be a musical celebration starting at 7 p.m. at Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium.