20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet

Sister Gaynell R. Jamison

St. James A.M.E. Church was the site February 1st for the 20th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. held for the Bradley County area.  St, James is served by Rt. Rev.Samuel Green as Bishop, Rev. James R. Hooper as Presiding Elder and Rev. Barry H. Spencer as Pastor.  For many years Bro. Everett Wallace has been instrumental in organizing the program and he was again in 2014.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Bro. Larry Livers and the welcome was given by Sis. Tesiah Broughton.  Rev. Spencer spoke the invocation.  Warren Mayor  Bryan Martin made remarks and presented a proclamation designating February 1st as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day in Warren.  A solo was provided by Sis Stephanie Farmer and a liturgical dance performed by Sis. April Block.

Eight individuals from the Warren community were honored for their service. Included were:




                          Linda Davis-St. James A.M.E. Church
                          Mary Green Walker-Union Hill Baptist Church
                          Martha Reed-Power House COGIC
                          George Walker-Mt. Carmel MBC
                          Datrick Wiley-Holy Deliverance COGIC
                          Bettye Edwards-Mt. Zion North Warren
                          Donald Baldwin-Mt. Zion South Warren
                          Luther Dangerfield-Bethel A.M.E. Church
Each honoree was presented a certificate.

Rev.Kent Broughton sang two specials.  Rev Broughton is a former Pastor of St. James.

The speaker of the evening was Sis Gaynell R. Jamison, a teacher and author. She spoke elegantly about the need to live up to the meaning of Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech and the need to teach children to read.  Her remarks were well received.  Mrs. Jamison was introduced by Sis Sandra Campbell.

After a delicious meal the program was closed with a benediction by Rev. Hooper.