Union African Methodist Episcopal Church to sponsor King holiday celebration

WARWICK — Pastor Rev. David L. Crumpton, guests, visitors and members of Union African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16. All are welcome to participate in the celebration and services, which will begin promptly at 11 a.m. in the new church building at 98 McEwen St. in the Village of Warwick. Although King’s actual birthday is Jan. 15, Congress set aside the third Monday of January as the official federal holiday. According to the act, “The holiday should serve as a time for Americans to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.” Monday’s event has been well planned and many dignitaries and representatives from other churches are expected to attend. In addition to music provided by the AME and others, the service will also include a talk by guest speaker Rev. Patricia McLeod, former acting superintendent of the Middletown School District. McLeod is the founder and CEO of Promise land Enterprises, LLC, which provides leadership training and organization management consultation to churches, schools and similar organizations throughout the country. And she presently serves as the Head of Christian Education and Dean of Programs for the Beth Rapha Bible Institute. Local officials, judges and church leaders have also been invited to speak.