Every year, the spirit and message of one of the nation’s most legendary civil rights activists permeates the sanctuary of Jamestown’s Emmanuel Baptist Church on the eve of the national holiday that bears his name.

Thus was the case Sunday evening, when the 53 23rd St. congregation hosted its 32nd annual King-centric program in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, presenting a message of unity and peace for all the nation.

The event is held every year on the day prior to the nation’s observance of King’s Jan. 15 birthdate. The special service allows visitors to reflect back on King’s work and his vision of mankind as a united brotherhood, while looking forward to a day when that vision will ultimately be realized.

In addition to readings and song selections, a number of dignitaries were in attendance to lend their vocal support for Emmanuel Baptist Church’s commitment to honoring King and bringing positivity in a nation that still finds itself divided and fractured by politics and inequality. Among those who spoke were: state Sen. Cathy Young; Assemblyman Andy Goodell; Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi; County Legislator Dave Wilfong, who read a proclamation on behalf of County Executive George Borrello; and Lori Cornell, who read a proclamation on behalf of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“You are keeping Dr. King’s dream alive,” Young said. “(King) would want to unify us, and has unified us, and so we need to double down. I always feel, after this ceremony, that my batteries are recharged. That’s what tonight is about, and there’s a lot of power in this room and across the country to focus on and recommit ourselves to King’s message and legacy.”

“It’s very easy to be angry when you see injustice or are a victim of injustice,” Goodell said. “Dr. King came through a time in our history when there was an incredible amount of injustice, but his message was not one of anger or lashing out or hatred. His message was one of love and life and being a positive force to move our community and country forward in a positive manner. We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go.”

Teresi said he struggled with the notion of proclaiming, as he proclaims every year, that the nation is not where it needs to be but is making progress.

“I really had to ask myself if I could I honestly say that again this year given the way things have been going in this country lately,” he said. “And yet, when I walked through these doors tonight and was greeted with smiling faces and handshakes and hugs it was as if the weight of the world fell from my shoulders and was replaced with hope. Hope is there.”