A downtown Middletown church was filled on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader and to honor members of the community who have helped further racial equality.

The annual ecumenical service hosted by Second Baptist Church and the Middletown Ministerial Alliance featured inspiring music and praise for three men recognized for work and volunteerism.

Steve Hightower, president of Hightower Petroleum Co., and the Rev. Enorris Thomas were presented with drum major awards for their efforts to achieve equality in business, schools and the court system.

Hightower, who serves on many state and national boards, was not present. The award was accepted by his father, Yudell.

“We knew when we decided to honor this man that nine times out of 10 he would not be here to accept … I think he is in the vicinity of Pennsylvania Avenue about now,” said Rev Greg Tyus of the ministerial alliance. Hightower is attending the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Yudell Hightower said, “Thank you, everybody here. Thank you, every day in Middletown. I love him and I am proud of him.”

Thomas, an Army veteran, joined the civil rights movement marching with King in the 1960s.

He remembered the violence civil rights activists faced, noting they prevailed because the movement included people of all races.

But there is more to be done, Thomas said.

“I will not stop fighting until they carry me to the VA cemetery,” Thomas said.

Thomas J. Kimbrough, a retired Middletown school teacher, was the recipient of the community service award for his years for shaping the minds of youth in the community.