The site of the mass shooting that rocked a small town in Texas last week was revisited by dozens of citizens from around the community, members of the press, local officials, and first responders on Sunday, November 12.
Talks on whether to restore or demolish the bullet-riddled First Baptist Church were stalled so that the building could be converted into a memorial for the 26 congregants who lost their lives at the hands of gunman Devin Patrick Kelley.
Red roses adorned 26 empty white chairs bearing the names of each of the massacre's victims, and one pink rose was rested on the late Crystal Holcombe's chair in remembrance of her unborn child. In addition, the book of Proverbs was left open for visitors to read, and verses from the scriptures were read through a speaker.
Some mourners came by to walk through the century-old church, others came to leave flowers, and some came to partake in service, which was held in a nearby tent. Those who convened at the mass sang "Amazing Grace" and listened to Pastor Frank Pomeroy, who's daughter Annabelle was killed in the attack, as he spoke. At one point during the service, he made special mention of those who pursued Kelley, while acknowledging U.S. veterans.
“We celebrate and remember the veterans who fought and died so that we can have freedom in this country. But last weekend men, women and children also fought for the freedom we have here this morning,” Pastor Pomeroy said. “We have the freedom to choose, and rather than choose darkness, as this one young man did that day, I say we choose light.”
