Flashback a bit more than a decade ago to Union Theological Seminary in New York city where Cathlin Baker and Raphael Warnock were a couple of seminary students, studying and playing pool together at the seminary pub. Today they are, respectively, the pastors at the West Tisbury Congregational Church on Martha’s Vineyard and the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former home church of Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., “Daddy King,” and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The two preachers, varied in gender, race, denomination and preaching styles, have remained good friends and this year marks the third time the Rev., Dr. Warnock visits the Island to guest preach at Reverend Baker’s church. If you have yet to see the sights and sounds of a Baptist preacher descend upon the white clapboard New England church, do I hear an Amen brothers and sisters, it is one not just to behold but to embrace. Picture, if you will, that old Memorex commercial, the one with the guy sitting in the chair, his hair blown back due to the full-body quality of the experience.

Up until now, though, the experience has been one-sided, the migration only leaning northward. However, plans are being finalized for Reverend Baker to head south and preach at the Abyssinian Church next spring.

The service is this Sunday, August 14, beginning at 10 a.m. Child care is available.

The West Tisbury Church is also holding its annual peach festival tomorrow, August 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy fresh peach shortcake, smoothies, ice cream and more on the lawn.

For more details about either event, call 508-693-2842.