The Rev. Al Sharpton, well-known civil rights advocate and president of the National Action Network, may have a reputation among some circles as a fiery speaker who stirs up trouble, but at Lebanon Baptist Church’s homecoming in Saluda on Sunday, his message was all about peace, loving others and honoring your roots.

Sharpton was introduced by former Middlesex resident George Gresham, president of Service Employees International Union Local 1199, United Healthcare Workers East of New York City, the largest local union in the world. Gresham, brother of church member Davelin Gresham, described Sharpton as "a real friend who’s there when you need him" and "a leader like no other leader."

"He can’t be compromised," said Gresham.

Sharpton in turn talked about his friendship with Gresham, using it as a segue to his talk about homecoming. He said that Gresham stayed with him for two days in the aftermath of the death of James Brown, the ...