Portland, January 15th. The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church was packed for the 6th Annual “Living the Dream” Ecumenical Scholarship Service and Award Ceremony. The historic church honored the memory of the great civil rights leader and the popular angel choir delighted the congregation.
Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee organized the event
Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent, was the featured keynote speaker. Other speakers include Rabbi Michael Cahana, Imam Mohammed Najiev, Multnomah County Commissioner, Loretta Smith, and Pastor David Wheeler.
Here are a few YouTube videos of the singing. View by clicking here!
Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church Choir
Community recognition, called “Drum Major Awards” were also presented. The Drum Major Awards are a tribute to the lives and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Yolanda Denise King and Rosa Parks.
A free will offering was collected for scholarship money to help graduating high school students seeking higher education or skill training. Over 40 young people have received a hand up from this scholarship fund in the past.
Bernie Foster of The Scanner News Group received an award
The topic of education was a draw for the event in North Portland
Marking the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a tradition in the community church
Esther Carter, Harrison Bletson and Estelle Franklin
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Portland and the leaders of the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in 1961
Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church is located at 3138 N. Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR 97227.
Great event and a great cause. Pastor Hennessee is really a man who’s words become deeds that meet needs.