Like the inspiring words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have echoed down the decades of history, the songs raised in his honor echoed through the tall trees surrounding the expansive grounds of the Mineola Civic Center Monday morning.

Though the day dawned chilly, by the time of the service the bright sun had warmed the air as the speakers and singers warmed the hearts of those lining the center’s circle in their vehicles to listen to encouragement and praise.

Car horns replaced “amens” as those attending remained in their vehicles, following a parade up Newsom St.

The Unity in Our Community Service annually celebrates the life and legacy of King, struck down by an assassin’s bullet in 1968.

Keynote speaker Dr. Charles Brewster of the New Life Baptist Church in Quitman, drawing from Psalms 133, said unity is strength, and when God’s people stand together in unity, that is what God wants and what Satan dreads.

The Rev. Randy Larpenteur of the Mineola Church of the Nazarene called for all to be kind and compassionate to one another, totally and completely forgiving each other.

Singer Jill Brandon, who also performed the National Anthem, sang one of her compositions that came from a time of desperation, and she asked that all live every day with purpose.

“It’s going to take all of us to come together as one,” said Pastor Jim Pickens of the Smith Chapel United Methodist Church.

In her welcome, Mineola Mayor Jayne Lankford recalled the time when schools were desegregated, and the students of the former McFarland school made such a positive impact. She recalled King’s famous quote, that only light can drive out darkness and love can drive out hate.

“We are a community of light and love,” she said.

King preached boldly, led wisely and loved us all, said Rev. Paul Thomasson of the First United Methodist Church in Mineola, as he concluded the service.