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Two city residents working behind the scenes for the betterment of Asbury Park residents will be honored this month by the historic Second Baptist Church on Atkins Avenue.

Civil rights activist Rev. Gil Caldwell [bottom left], who marched alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr and is a regular guest speaker at churches along the Jersey Shore, will be honored with the institution’s Humanitarian Award.

Interfaith Neighbor’s Paul McEvily [bottom right], who has been one of the driving forces behind bringing affordable homes, empowerment programs and food distribution not only to city residents but for those across Monmouth County, will receive the Community Service Award.

The recognitions will be given during the over 130 year old church’s annual Men’s Day Service, beginning at 10 a.m. June 26.

This weekend, Second Baptist will kick off the annual celebration with a flea market, barbecue, and Day with Dad events. All are welcome to join in the 11 a.m. Saturday event.

The Christian Care and Helping Hand Ministry, organizers of the Flea Market, will feature a lunch giveaway for the families in the neighborhood.

At noon, the Men’s Ministry will host the annual Men’s Day cookout, featuring barbecue ribs or chicken dinners for a $12 suggested donation. Part of the proceeds will help fund Second Baptist’s Inaugural Arts Camp, to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22 to 26.

Open to children ages 4 to 17, the Living in Fulfilled Excellence camp features a hands on program meant to inspire continued learning in the fine arts and technology, said Dan Harris, a church deacon.

Also kicking off at noon is the Day with Dad program, held in the Union Avenue parking lot directly behind the church.

Participating in this event will be SBCAP Boy Scout and Cub Pack # 241, Asbury Park Police Community Relations Team, Interfaith Neighbors/Kula Cafe, Prevention First, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation, Trinity Church Food Justice Program, Meridian Health, West Side United, Sportz Farm, The Asbury Park Board of Education, Asbury Park National Action Network, and the Charity Kings, Harris said.

Registration for the Arts Camp as well as the church’s week-long Vacation Bible School will be taken during the Saturday events.

Running from June 27 to July 1, the Vacation Bible School is free to all children in the neighborhood, Harris said.

[profile photos courtesy of Facebook and Religion News]

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