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Episcopal Health Services’ Honors Dr. King, Jr.’s Legacy with “Gospel on the Rock”

Far Rockaway, New York, January 21, 2025 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) paid tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., during its “Gospel on the Rock” at the Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene on Jan. 16.

The inspiring event, organized by EHS’ Office of Social Impact, began with an invocation and welcome remarks from Rev. Dr. Les Mullings, Senior Pastor of the Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Mullings expressed his gratitude to EHS for initiating the idea of bringing people together to honor Dr. King’s legacy. The program continued with Dr. Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of Episcopal Health Services, delivering a heartfelt tribute reflecting on Dr. King’s profound impact and how his message aligns with EHS’ mission to serve the community.

“At Episcopal Health Services, we are proud to sponsor this event, standing shoulder to shoulder with each of you as integral members of this community,” said Dr. Morrish. “Our commitment to your health and well-being goes beyond the walls of our facilities. It extends into the heart of our neighborhoods, where we strive to promote not only physical health but also the spirit of unity and compassion that Dr. King so passionately advocated.”

Attendees enjoyed powerful musical performances from the Beraca French Seventh Day Adventist Youth Choir, Beth-El Church of God in Christ Choir, Challenge Charter High School Choir, and the Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene Praise Team. The program also featured dynamic dance performances by the Challenge Charter High School and Middle School Step Teams.

The evening concluded with a reading of the “I Have a Dream Speech,” delivered by Michelle Burchette, EHS Lead Mammography Technologist, followed by a closing prayer and candlelight ceremony led by Pastor Asnel Valcin, EHS Director of Pastoral Care.

“Events like these remind us of the importance of fostering connections and embracing the values of equality, and service, Dr. King advocated tirelessly for,” said Vanessa Nazario, EHS Chief Social Impact Officer. “At EHS, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a workplace and community where these principles thrive.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Rev. Dr. Les Mullings and the entire staff at the Far Rockaway Community Church of Nazarene for hosting EHS’ as we celebrated the life of Dr. King, Jr.,” said Sharika Gordon, SVP & Chief People Operations Officer at EHS. “This event embodies our mission of compassion and equity, inspiring us to continue serving and uplifting our diverse community.”


About Episcopal Health Services

Episcopal Health Services Inc., (EHS) is a health system located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. The system provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse, and medically underserved Rockaways and Five Towns populations. The system provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services, regardless of their ability to pay.