THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 10, 1996 TAG: 9601100654
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PERRY PARKS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
The new minister at Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church hadn't been in town long before deciding that Martin Luther King Jr. Day needed more attention.
R. Whitfield ``Whitty'' Bass had organized community services recognizing King in Prince Georges County, Md., over the past dozen years - with fruitful results.
``It became a great opportunity for folks of both races to come together and celebrate his life and his faith through worship,'' Bass, who became pastor at Cann on Nov. 1, said of his Maryland experience. ``I thought it might be constructive to do something similar here.''
From Bass' efforts, the Elizabeth City Area Ministerial Association is sponsoring a community worship service to commemorate King at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Sheep-Harney auditorium, on the corner of Road and Elizabeth streets.
The ecumenical service will feature the leaders of area educational institutions, including Elizabeth City State University and College of The Albemarle, and several area ministers and political leaders, Bass said.
``A lot of people have come forward and volunteered to help,'' Bass said. ``I'm encouraged, looking forward to it.''
In an open invitation to the service, Bass lays out the reasons for its organization:
``1995 was a difficult and trying year nationally and locally for racial harmony,'' the letter says. ``As religious leaders in our community, we are concerned about the erosion of goodwill that so many have worked to build here. . . . We believe one constructive step would be to gather in worship as a community.''
The service will feature the Gospel Choir from Northeastern High School and the Celestial Chorus from Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Bass said.
The Rev. John E. Trotman, minister at Cornerstone, said he was not directly involved in planning the service but that he will attend.
Trotman said the success of the service depends on the sincerity of its organizers and on whether some lasting goodwill comes out of it.
``I think the idea itself deserves merit,'' Trotman said.
``It all depends on what purpose.''
Bass said he hoped the event could lay a foundation of trust for future dialogue.
``Dr. King was a person who influenced a lot of people's lives. And he's a good place to begin in this type of discussion,'' Bass said.
``If we can just get some people together, that's a beginning. I think it has the potential to become a real positive thing in the community.
``Time will tell.'' by CNB