From Jeptha Chapter No. 1 OES/PHA

Although Jan. 18 was blistery cold outside, inside the Hiram Lodge on the corner of Respess and Fifth streets, it was warm and cozy as the brothers and sisters of Jeptha Chapter No. 1 Order of the Eastern Star/PHA celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

After the welcome and prayer, a spirit-filled rendition of “We Shall Not Be Moved” lifted the room. The litany, led by Sister Doris King, opened with an urgent question from Dr. King’s August 11, 1957 sermon: “What are you doing for others?”

The guest speaker for the event, Edwin “Ed’ Booth, Beaufort County commissioner, led us to ponder on how we must take part in moving America forward.

“It’s all of our jobs. We can’t do it alone,” Booth said.

His sentiments were echoed by Dr. E. R. McNair, pastor of Spring Garden MB Church, who said, “King had charisma and spirit to draw folks together.”

Remarks were also made by Brother Anthony Northern, Worthy Patron, “This is a day we sometimes take for granted. We pray we can grow in wisdom and knowledge, and most of all love.”

After refreshments were served, the Laying of the Wreath ceremony was led by Worthy Matron, Sister Carolyn Moore.

Special guests were Donald Sadler, chief magistrate; Virginia Finnerty, Washington mayor pro tem; Richard Brooks, Washington city councilman, Chynna Bonner, Beaufort County Schools, Judy AK Justice, candidate for N.C. House of Representatives.

The program was chaired by Sister Eltha Booth, past matron of Jeptha Chapter No. 1 and Beaufort County Schools board member.