An interfaith service was held in Hempstead Sunday in honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and message of peace.

The event at Antioch Baptist Church was one of many held across the Island that paid tribute to the civil rights leader.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day may be a holiday day off for some, but for many Long Islanders, including those who were at the church, it is much more than that. It's a time to reflect on the life of a civil rights icon whose message of peace and equality they said still rings true to this day.

Parishioners of many faiths gathered on what would have been King's 94th birthday.

"We have come such a long way and he was such a special person," said Hempstead resident Jimmy Davis.

Many at the church remembered when King visited Long Island in the mid 1960s, including retired Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz, of the Temple B'nai Sholom, who said King's message of peace and understanding was one that all faiths could understand.

"Wherever he went, he was a mover and a shaker, but he moved and shook the heart and sprit of everyone," Dov Schwartz said.

The church's Bishop Phillip Elliott marched with King and said his message of spirituality and non-violent disruption encouraged him to pursue religion.

"When others were saying 'burn, baby, burn,' and 'burn down cities,' Martin Luther King was preaching 'love, baby love,' and if you love, you can win. Love always wins," Elliot said.

This week, Elliott said is a time for Long Islanders and people around the world to reflect on King's life and legacy. Eunice Jones, of Roslyn, said King's work is not done.

"There's a lot more to do. A lot more to do by the grace of the good majesty," Jones said.

On Monday and throughout the week, there will be many celebrations and remembrances across the Island to honor King.