Hundreds of church-goers flooded the pews of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church yesterday for the first time, just days after a tragic shooting left eight dead.
On June 17, 2015, suspect Dylann Roof came to sit in a bible study, which was being conducted by church pastor and South Carolina state senator Clementa C. Pinckney, and after a disagreement about Scripture, opened fire on the group.
The recent service lasted for two hours, and was presided over by Rev. Norvel Goff. For protection, the gathering was watched over by at least 10 uniformed police officers, according to Yahoo.
During the service, many of the church goers were still visibly in shock and openly wept in grief for their fallen community members.
When asked how the South Carolina community reacted to the violence against them, Rev. Goff shared, "A lot of folks expected us to do something strange and to break out in a riot. Well, they just don't know us we are a people of faith."
Stories of the slain minister, Sen. Pinckney, were also told during the service. Marsha Spencer, a member of the church for over 20 years, spoke fondly of the senator, remembering how tall and funny he was. Spencer goes on to say that every Halloween, Sen. Pinckney would dress up, even dressing as Jimi Hendrix one year.
Church leaders asked for strength during this troubled times and in a surprising move, many of the family members of the victims have found it in themselves to forgive Roof at his bond hearing earlier in the week. Rev. Goff credits their strong belief in God for allowing them to find it in their hearts to forgive such a violent act.
The opening of the church so soon after the incident was the most important part of the majority of the community. Several patrons stated that going to the first service after the incident would bring the whole community together and show that there is unity in times of trouble.
The church, so promptly named "Mother Emmanuel," has a moderate but close knit group and is part of The World Methodist Council. It is receiving aid and support for all the families affected by the tragedy.