Thursday night, July 23, 1964, was a date brimming in anticipation and uncertainty for members of Pleasant Green Baptist Church awaiting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at the church.

As church members gather at the Bowman Street church Sunday for a program honoring his visit to Vicksburg, the clearest of memories of the man and his message will be shared, including photographs of the speech believed to be among the only in existence.

For church historian Bob Shields, just 16 at the time, it was a moment etched in minds beyond description