The Woodlands to Host 21st Annual MLK Celebration

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in The Woodlands, Texas is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2009, beginning at noon at The Woodlands United Methodist Church at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive. The public is invited to attend this free tribute.

St. Paul Church in The Woodlands is presenting the celebration. The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC) is the sponsor of this event, according to Debra Staley, director of public affairs for TWDC.

The commemorative tribute will be given by Pastor Roche Coleman, Th.M. of St. Paul Church. Coleman holds a B.S. in Accounting from Mississippi College; Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute; and a Master of Theology-Old Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary where he is working towards his Ph.D.

Highlights of the King celebration also include the Drum Major award, given annually in recognition to an outstanding individual or business in Montgomery County. Winners of essay and poster contests for students in the Conroe Independent School District will also be announced.

Anchorman Tim Melton from KTRK-TV Channel 13 Houston will serve as master of ceremonies. Myrna Irons, one of the original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands, is chairperson of this event. Several music directors from local churches will lead The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Mass Choir. Directors include Don Barrick, minister of music for First Baptist Church of The Woodlands; Joseph McKinney, minister of music for StoneBridge Church; Michael Pickett of Pleasant Hill Church; Gregory Coleman, Rising Star Baptist Church; and Eulalia King of Eulalia King Ministries.

Members of the celebration committee include Patricia Batiste; Don Barrick; Nelda Luce Blair; Constance Borders; Tom Cox; Chester Crawford; Pam Crawford; Bernadine Davis; Dorothy Dixon; State Representative Rob Eissler; Gerald Irons, Sr.; Greg Jordan; Gary Louie; Loweeta McClure; Joseph McKinney; Forstine Morris; Cheryl Smith; Dr. Ann Snyder; Debra Staley; Nate Stevens; Dr. Don Stockton; Peg Welbes; Brenda Williams; and Roman Williams.

For more information, call Myrna Irons at 281-367-9366.