Heather Curtis,
WMAL News
WASHINGTON- Passionate prayer and spirited song filled the Metropolitan AME Church on M St. NW today as people from many walks of life packed into the wooden pews for a vigil to remember the nine victims of the shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
The crowd sang as members of the church held up large poster boards with pictures of the victims slain Wednesday night during Bible study in the Charleston.
“The lives of these individuals will not be forgotten as we remember their sacrifice,” said Rev. Dededrick Rivers of the St. Jude AME Church.
Rivers then slowly read the name of each victim while a bell was rung following each one. The room was silent as the sound of the bell dissipated into the crowd following the reading of each name.
Many people were still in shock following the senseless killings.
“We call for healing of this nation and healing for the families of the victims of Mother Emanuel,” said the pastor of Ward Memorial AME Church the Rev. Dr. Michael
Thomas.
Despite the tragedy, which is believed to have been racially motivated, people at the vigil stressed the need for unity and forgiveness, something many said was difficult but necessary as part of the healing process.
The service ended with members of the church walking around showing everyone in attendance the large pictures of the nine victims as attendees sang.
Metropolitan AME Church has long roots to the African American community. It was founded in 1838. Frederick Douglass and Eleanor Roosevelt are among number of renowned people who have spoken at the church.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: )
