The Mount Zion AME Church in Florence had strong attendance for the vigil held Friday afternoon for the victims of the Charleston church shooting.
City and county leaders, along with law enforcement and residents joined at the church to pray for the families of the victims killed in the church massacre Wednesday night.
“Seek and dissatisfy our thirst for justice by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. Instead let this pain bring compassion, love and wisdom,” stated Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela, as he addressed the crowd.
“Thank you Florence for reminding all of us today these things… as we extended our sympathy to our neighbors in Charleston,” added Francis Marion University President, Dr. Fred Carter.
The Prayer and Community Solidarity Service for the victims of Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church welcomed reverends from area churches just days after the shooting.
“Nothing takes place without the acknowledgement of God,” Rep. Rev. Terry Alexander mentioned.
“…and hopefully out of this incident it will bring about an even greater day,” stated Retired FSD1 Superintendent Dr. Allie Brooks Jr.
Other vigils across the Grand Strand and Low Country are planned for the coming days. The Myrtle Beach branch of the NAACP and Reverend Lovett will team up to organize a prayer vigil for the victims in Charleston. Christ United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach’s prayer vigil is Saturday at 7 p.m.
A community forum will be held on Sunday at Savannah Grove Baptist Church in Florence at 3:00pm.