The Rev. Lin Dawson will be the guest speaker as Emmanuel Hill Memorial Free Will Baptist church celebrates Men’s Day at 3 p.m. Sunday.
A Kinston native, Dawson graduated from Kinston High School and N.C. State University. For 10 years, he was the starting tight-end for the New England Patriots and was an integral part of the AFC Championship and Super Bowl team.
Dawson has received numerous awards and held significant roles in higher education and business, including entrepreneur, graduate school professor, counselor, consultant, athletic director and others. He is president and managing partner for the Lin Dawson Organization, an organizational development consulting firm.
His passion is to reach men and youth for the Kingdom of God, Dawson says. During his 32 years in ministry, he has preached all over the world and been an evangelist, team chaplain, assistant pastor, minister of youth and associate minister. He is an author and frequently conducts pastor leadership seminars, business workshops, youth conferences and conflict resolution training in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Dawson recently purchased Sampson School in east Kinston, where he grew up. He plans to convert the building into a non-profit community life center for workforce and economic development, social services, educational enhancement and charity to benefit the community.
“Historically, Men’s Day has been a time for the black church to place the spotlight on, call out and set apart men whose works and lives stand as Christian examples for others to follow,” said the Rev. Veronica Jackson, Emmanuel Hill pastor. “It’s a time to appreciate men’s contributions to family, community and country.”
The church is at 401 N. Rochelle Blvd. The public is invited.