Lloyd Houk’s style of ministry is reminiscent of the old circuit-riding preachers of a bygone era. They pulled themselves in the saddle every Sunday morning and took off for a little country church. HOUK IS a familiar face at many events, both as a minister and vocalist. His credits include having been Kansas American Legion chaplain for 10 years and working with Hospice care for another decade.
Houk does much the same, with one exception, “I don’t have horse.”
He currently is filling the pulpit at Assembly of God in Humboldt. Monday evening he will carry Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of faith and hope to Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church for the annual celebration of the slain civil rights leader. A number of songs by local vocalist also will be a part of the 7 o’clock service.
The event is in late January each year, near the date of King’s birth on Jan. 15, 1929. He died from an assassin’s bullet at age 39 on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, in the midst of his high-profile campaign to achieve equal rights not only for those of color but for all people.
Houk said he planned to expand on King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech that he delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington in 1963.
“Dr. King wanted something better for all mankind,” Houk said. “And what he had to say was about more than one day (his speech), it’s something we all should” strive to achieve each and every day of the year. “I want people to understand it’s important for all of us to continue what he started.
“It’s sad to think that as much as has been done through the civil rights movement there still is so much more to do,” he said. “Too many of us have gone to sleep and forgotten Dr. King’s vision for all people, not just one race.
“We need to go beyond the dream.”
He is one of many giving people in our community who is willing to answer any call that comes his way.
To be asked to give the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration speech, he said with genuine humility, was a very humbling honor.
Lloyd Houk: Always ready at the call
