A street dedication ceremony, parade and program on Saturdaywill honor longtime public servant and former Brookhaven AldermanJ.W. Morgan.

Morgan served as alderman from 1977 until 1997. In addition tohis city post, his service to Brookhaven has included working morethan 30 years with State Bank and Trust Co., hosting a Sundaymorning “Spiritual Time” radio program and a long history with hischurch, St. Paul Missionary Baptist.

“We’re saluting and honoring a great man of God,” said programorganizers Vernastine Byrd and Virginia Armstrong.

The program begins at 3 p.m. with a short parade.

Police Chief Pap Henderson said the parade will begin at theintersection of Independence and North Third streets, which wasrenamed to J.W. Morgan Way earlier this year. The parade will makea loop to Enterprise and Main streets and back to St. Paul M.B.Church for the program.

Henderson applauded the recognition being given to his next-doorneighbor.

“It’s well-deserved,” Henderson said. “I think he’s anoutstanding citizen of this town, and he’s done so much for thistown.”

Ward Six Alderman John E. “Buddy” Allen expressed similarsentiments in March when the Board of Aldermen approved renamingthe street and along with another renaming in honor of Dr. MartinLuther King Jr.

“It’s an honor he’s very deserving of,” Allen said ofMorgan.