It has been said that the most segregated hour in America is on Sundays, during church service.

Hoping to make a difference in that situation, a number of local churches, working through the Ironton Ministerial Association, have spent the last three years holding a community service on the weekend of the federal holiday in honor of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Sunday, the community unity service will take place at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at the corner of Fifth and Vernon streets in Ironton.

According to pastor Rob Hale, of Ironton First Church of the Nazarene, who also serves of president of the ministerial association, the service has seen strong attendance in its first two years.

This year’s event will be pastored by the Rev. Eric Barnes and will feature music and keynote speaker, the Rev. Aaron Fields of 3C Church in South Point.

Hale said Kristen Martin, who serves as community choir director for the ministerial association, will lead the gathering in several songs.

Prior to the service, there will be a march through Ironton, starting at 4:15 p.m. at Mt. Olive Church on Fourth and Mulberry streets, and ending at First Baptist Church.

In our polarized political climate, many have felt our nation is more invited than it has been in generations.

We encourage everyone to come out to the events, which are open to the public, and celebrate, not just King’s legacy, but also the spirit of community.