For Delaware pastor, reciting Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches is "a spiritual movement"

On January 15, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have celebrated his 96th birthday, prompting a local pastor, Rev. Dr. John Moore, to honor King’s legacy through his powerful speeches. The setting for this homage is the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, where Moore reflects on King's impactful words, including lines from his final speech, "I've Been to the Mountain Top," delivered on April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Moore finds it surreal to stand in the same pulpit where King began his ministry years ago. King was a student at Crozer Theological School in Chester from 1948 to 1951, and during that time, he received mentorship from Rev. J. Pius Barbour at Calvary Baptist. The connection to King's past makes Moore's mission feel even more significant.

Raised in North Philadelphia, Moore became dedicated to King's ideals at the young age of 11 after hearing the "I Have a Dream" speech. This inspired him to memorize and perform King's speeches with a focus on authenticity. With over 30 years of experience, Moore has even had the honor of performing at the opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he received encouragement from King's son, Martin King III.

Moore currently knows more than a dozen of King's speeches by heart, viewing his performances as more than mere entertainment. For him, embodying King's words represents a spiritual movement meant to educate and inspire others to embrace his legacy.

On January 17, Rev. Moore will bring his tribute to life at Bally's Casino Ballroom with a performance titled "Echoes of a Prophet," starting at 11 a.m. This event will also feature professional dance artist Imani Kai and local singer Anna Moore, further celebrating King's enduring impact.