MLK event overcomes cold weather
Witherspoon details King’s last sermon, ‘Why America May Go to Hell’
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The annual ecumenical service celebrating and commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place Jan. 15, despite the frigid temperatures. And those inside Second Missionary Baptist Church for the event were treated to a fiery message.
The Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis made a return appearance as the keynote speaker. He was a last-minute fill-in, which was nothing short of miraculous in itself. He had given three sermons the day before while traveling across two states, including appearances at Christchurch Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis and in Lexington, Ky. Still, with just 13 hours before the event, he agreed to return to Kokomo.
The message he brought was tied to the final sermon Dr. King wrote, but never preached. Entitled, “Why America May Go to Hell,” King’s sermon was intended to be a stern warning that the U.S. had not addressed racism and prejudice sufficiently. He intended to touch on the privilege White Americans enjoy and the need for them to help those less fortunate and to strive for equality and unity.
Failing that, King predicted America, indeed, would go to Hell. Harrison-Jones characterized the sermon as a call to action.
“In this glorious message never preached, Dr. King warned America of its impending doom, that if America did not get serious and devote herself to eradicating what he called the triple threat of racism, poverty and militarism, that America, too, would find itself in peril,” said Harrison-Jones. “And even today, beloved, these three threats of racism, poverty, and militarism still haunt the American soul and lay heavy upon the consciousness of this nation.
“I dare say, my friends, in many ways, we as a nation are worse off now than we were nearly a half century ago. The words of Dr. King ought to haunt us, and His love ought to convict us that America may go to hell, because the cries of the children and the knocks at the doors of justice go unanswered!”
Harrison-Jones called upon the congregation to follow the words written in the Book of Matthew, to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. And he challenged them to take action.
“Let this be a day that we ensure that we help in honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Harrison-Jones. “Let this be a day that we continue to move forward in positive progress. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said we must work unceasingly to uplift this nation that we love to a higher destiny, to a higher plateau of compassion, to a more noble expression of humaneness.
“Let us not build in words, but let us build in action. Let us get uncomfortable and build a better nation.”
The program also featured a scripture reading from Rev. Dr. Michael Carson, remarks from Pastor William J. Smith, and presentations from the students of Acacia Academy, a rousing performance by the Kokomo High School Choir, and community leaders affirming the words and mission of Dr. King.
The traditional laying of a wreath at Kokomo’s MLK memorial was postponed due to the freezing temperatures. Those in attendance were encouraged to pay their own tributes with a visit to the memorial in better weather.