The United Ministerial Alliance of Salisbury Rowan County will be honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Tower of Power United Holy Church (601 East Cemetery St., Salisbury) on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. 

Bishop Ronald Hash is the president of the Ministerial Alliance and Rev. Anthony L. Williams is the host pastor. The guest preacher is Rev. Dr. David L. Bracken

Bracken was born and raised in Reidsville. At the age of 12, his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where he graduated from the Youngstown Public School System.

Bracken is a 1983 graduate of the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing. He received a master’s of divinity degree from Shaw University Divinity School in 2003 and his doctorate of ministry at Drew University in May, 2012.

Bracken is retired as the fire chief for the city of Reidsville. He has also served as a firefighter, captain, lieutenant, interim city manager and interim public works director. He is active in the Reidsville community. Bracken is a former moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association. Bracken was the recipient of the Reidsville Branch NAACP 2008-2009 Humanitarian Award.

In May of 1997, Bracken accepted his call to the ministry and in November of 1997 was licensed to preach by Zion Baptist Church in Reidsville. He was ordained November 1998 by the Rowan Baptist Association. In 2001, Bracken was called to pastor Jerusalem Baptist Church in Spencer.

Under his leadership, a new sanctuary was built and the old church sanctuary was converted into a functional fellowship hall. He established the first JBC Tutorial Program and computer lab by securing a grant from Food Lion, Inc. 

Bracken refers to himself as a plain man who loves the Lord. He finds comfort and strength in Psalm 23, which simply and clearly expresses the role of God as our protector and provider in life. Bracken has a love for God, love for people and a willingness to serve.