The St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church drew in a crowd of over 100 Monday morning for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration and church service.

The service was held as a conjunction between several local churches, including St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Northside Church (who came in support), and, of course, St. Paul’s.

Judah Stevenson of the St. Paul Youth Ministry was the keynote speaker. Stevenson, who is 12 years old, delivered a message on “Unity Now & Forever.” Tray Warren of the St. Paul Youth Ministry spoke on togetherness in Christ for America; Bishop Lawton of St. Dunstan’s gave words of encouragement and the benediction; and the St. Paul Youth Choir sang.

According to Boyd, the church encouraged its youth to help organize and plan the event, as Boyd said it helps them engage in their community, their church, and their faith.

“(We want to) bring in other youths, get other youths engaged in ministry or in Christ,” said Boyd. “It’s a wonderful deal.”

Hot soups, cornbread, and other refreshments were served free after the service.