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By Abigail Roberts

Correspondent

STANFORD – Snow didn’t stop the annual MLK Day event in Stanford on Monday. A group gathered on the snow-covered Lincoln County Courthouse steps to recognize the life and achievements of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

This year’s theme was “A Cry Out For Help” and the event was coordinated by Barthenia Brown.

A group gathered on the courthouse steps at noon Monday for song, scripture and prayer before setting off down Main Street.

The Master of Ceremony was pastor Tony A. Gooch. Pastor Vola Brown read scripture and Pastor Craig Taylor led the group in prayer. The group sang “We Shall Overcome” as they prepared to march down Main Street to the First Missionary Baptist Church at the end of Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

Once at the church, the group was welcomed by Cammie Coulter and heard a reading from Phillis Walker. A solo was given by Natalia Coulter-Brown and Judge Woods Adams recognized city and county officials.

Pastor Dennis Miller led a reading followed by a solo by Donnie Gilliam and candle lighting led by Sue Gooch.

Elder Jerry Wilkinson introduced the guest speaker, Bishop Joseph Shea Brown. A bio reading was given by Mary Gooch, followed by a solo by Patrice Alcorn. Debra Owsley thanked the group before they sang “Blest Be the Tie That binds.”  A final benediction was led by Licentiate Cedric Stewart.