Remembering a life, and a vision

Boyertown Area Ministerial Association hosts 19th MLK service

“This is an important occasion because of what it represents,” said Dr. Robert Gerhart, president of the Boyertown Area Ministerial Association, welcoming the community members. “We remember not only a man, but a vision.”

The 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service was hosted by the Boyertown Area Ministerial Association at New Hanover United Methodist Church on Monday, Jan. 15.

Gerhart noted the upcoming 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Following a scripture reading from Pastor Mark Hager of Butter Valley Church, Nicole Hughes and Dr. Sara Obarow read an excerpt from “Guidelines for a Constructive Church,” delivered by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Georgia on June 5, 1966. Hughes is the principal and headmistress at Pine Forge Academy; Obarow is the director of professional learning at Boyertown Area School District.

The evening included performances by the Boyertown Area High School Show Choir with director Jeffrey Brunner, the Pine Forge Academy String Ensemble with director Kerri Williams, and the Pine Forge Academy Choir with director Jarrett Roseborough. Each group received a stand ovation from the crowd.

Choirs from both schools combined and held hands for the final selection of the night — “We Shall Overcome.”

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Choirs from both schools combine and hold hands to perform “We Shall Overcome.”

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Dr. Sara Obarow, director of professional learning at Boyertown School District, and Nicole Hughes, principal and headmistress at Pine Forge Academy, take turns reading an excerpt from “Guidelines for a Constructive Church,” delivered by the Reverend...

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Choirs from both schools combined and held hands for the final selection of the night — “We Shall Overcome.”

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Pine Forge Academy String Ensemble performs during the 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service held at New Hanover United Methodist Church on Monday, Jan. 15.

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Choirs from both schools combine to perform at the 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service hosted by the Boyertown Area Ministerial Association.