Alvin M. Keeling 
JAMES ISLAND, SC (WCBD) – Organizations across the Lowcountry have come together to honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. through the power of music and worship at James Island First Baptist Church.
“It brings unity. It reminds us that we are united and divided we fall,” says Reverend Charlie Murray, pastor of First Baptist Church.
James Island First Baptist Church and Murray Mortuary hosted the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Concert to celebrate and remember his life. Charleston City Mayor John Tecklenburg says it is an honor that Lowcountry organizations come together to represent the honor that Dr. King’s life had.
“We commemorate his life, his values and strive to live them in our daily lives. It is a very meaningful experience,” says Mayor Tecklenburg.
The Lowcountry Voices, a multicultural and ethnically diverse choir, performed for their seventh year in the concert. The choir’s music director Nathan Nelson says he ensures songs of hope, strength, courage and faith are sung.
“These are all characters that I think we should have as citizens of the United States. When it comes to songs, that’s the kind of stuff we leverage,” Nelson says.
Linda Malcolm is one of the band members and she says being able to sing songs that represent the courage of Dr. King means the joy the singers feel when they perform them in front of hundreds of people.
“There are songs of perseverance, encouragement, courage and faith. I think those are all things you can relate to Dr. King,” Malcolm says.
As the pandemic has impacted the in-person event for the past two years, church leaders have ensured that in-person or online participation is possible so that everyone can celebrate.
“As we navigate this madness, we still want to bring joy and celebration to the memory of Dr King,” says Reverend Murray.
The full service and church concert are posted on the First Baptist Church of James Island Facebook page, which is open to the public.
