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Community named In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
King Memorial In Kingstown’s Central Park
Twenty-two years ago Kingstown, North Carolina was named to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, a great deal of people are unaware of the historical fact that Kingstown was indeed named for the assassinated civil rights leader. 
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting and getting together with Gloria Glover Haynes, past Kingstown Town Clerk and Council Woman along with Ramona Lynch Gash, a member of the Kingstown Council. These two ladies graciously gave me the information on how the town emerged and then changed its name.
Kingstown had previously gone through many different names, mostly from developers who were building houses there. Names from the past include Golden Ridge, Ridgeview, Quail Hollow I and Quail Hollow II. However, the name most folks associated with the area came from the Will Weathers farm. “Weathers Grove” was the name most people called the 1.8 square miles of land in Cleveland County until the name was changed.
Reverend Paul Ramseur is credited with spearheading the name change. Together with others including Reverend Benny Glover and Charlie Weaver, a committee was formed for the name change.  On July 12, 1989, the town known as “Weathers Grove” was officially changed and incorporated to Kingstown, North Carolina
Some interesting facts about Kingstown are: the oldest church in Kingstown, Macedonia Baptist Church Number II is pastored by Reverend Whitworth who marched with Dr. King. On August 4th, 1985 the doors opened to Palmer Grove Baptist Church. Palmer Grove moved from Polkville where it began. The founders, George and Cora Whaley named the church Palmer Grove because the Palmer Farm donated the land for the first church and school. The pastor of Palmer Grove Baptist Church, James L Smith, has been its spiritual leader for 32 years. His church is now a cornerstone of Kingstown with over 600 members. A new building, the Palmer Grove Family Life Center was added and opened in 2007. It is adjacent to the church and serves as a focal point for Kingstown.  Palmer Grove Baptist Church will host “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr “ on Sunday, January 15th beginning at 5PM.  Reverend Kenneth Ramseur will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited to attend, celebrate and honor this special “man of change”, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964; the youngest person to ever receive this prestigious award. 
In the United States of America, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on Monday, January 16.

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