Wooster to host Martin Luther King Jr. Day service and community celebration

The annual event to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Wooster Monday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. The theme for this year’s King Day Service is "Standing Up for Justice: Community Voices."

The event will feature local speakers who advocate for the rights and fair treatment of all people who live in Wayne County. The speakers include Allison Allison, whose installations of inclusive public art can be seen around town, and Joi Hemphill, current president of the Wayne County League of Women Voters. A longtime activist for preserving local black history, Lydia Thompson will be recognized posthumously for her many contributions to the community.

The winners of the 2026 Martin Luther King Essay Contest — Wayne County students in first grade through 12th grade — will be introduced and presented with their awards and plaques. In addition, Orrville High School's choir, under the direction of Kourtney Hill, will perform at the service.

The goodwill offering collected during the service is being donated to the Wooster Hope Center’s backpack program in area schools. Attendees also are asked to bring nonperishable food items, which will be collected at the door for the Hope Center. Other participants in the service include members of the NAACP Youth Council and of the Wooster-Orrville NAACP, the event's sponsor.

Earlier in the day from 2-4 p.m at the Wayne County Public Library, a King Day event for children will feature a book reading of “Let the Children March,” an art project and Martin Luther King’s favorite dessert.