Church Members Support Muhlenberg

The Rev. Carolyn Eklund leads Grace Episcopal Church parishioners in a Palm Sunday procession witnessing support for Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.

A light rain did not deter the participants, who circled the church's block before the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday (March 16, 2008).

On Saturday, a reported crowd of 500 people rallied outside the hospital to protest its closing. The church members offered palm leaves Sunday to passersby as they marched.

Parishioners, including former Gov. James E. McGreevey of Plainfield (not shown), enter the church after the procession. Another public rally to save the hospital will be held April 5 in Trenton, according to Larry Hamm of People's Organization for Progress.

--Bernice Paglia