Church service honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - KMSP-TV

Hundreds of people congregated at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Monday to remember the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The annual commemorative service was held hours before the public swearing of President Barack Obama for his second term as the nation's first African-American president.

"If it were not for Dr. King and those who struggled and fought in that movement, we would not be celebrating this presidency and this administration," said Dr. Bernice King, the civil rights legend's youngest daughter.

CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MLK SERVICE

The President addressed the Atlanta audience in a pre-recorded message during the morning service, encouraging them to continue Dr. King's work through community service.

"As Dr. King reminded us many years ago, life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others," President Obama said.
    
The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference called on those at the church to honor King's legacy by being a vehicle for change.

"Rise up and clothe the naked, rise up and give shelter to the homeless, rise up and eradicate poverty," Rodriguez said.

PHOTOS | CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES FROM THE SERVICE

Bernice King, who is also a reverend, called this an exciting  and troubling time filled with uncertainty -- a time when her father's principles of inciting change  through  peaceful  and nonviolent means  are needed more now than ever.

"So there is a dire need of the mission, the message, and the movement of nonviolence to be embraced by a new generation of leaders," Bernie King said.

Monday was only the second time in history that MLK Day coincided with the presidential inauguration.