King Bridge Photo 2

Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, at the northeast corner of the bridge, was an anchor of Springfield's black neighborhood, built on the same dreams and principles expressed by King in his famous "I have a dream" speech, says Rev. Gloria Jones, pastor. "Pitts Chapel still has those dreams."

Started by slaves as Wilson's Creek Church in 1847, the Pitts Chapel congregation celebrated its 157th anniversary Oct. 31. Pitts Chapel donated an easement for the signage marking the north entry to the bridge, which will be complete in January. Taylor's Drive-In donated an easement on the south end where the new signage is complete. The route of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade will change in 2005 to include the bridge.