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Residents rally in Fernandina Beach to mourn national tragedies
Two community prayer vigils drew large gatherings in Fernandina Beach Thursday, as residents rallied to mourn recent acts of violence in Minneapolis and to express concern, grief and solidarity amid heightened national tensions.
The larger evening vigil took place on the steps of Memorial United Methodist Church, where organizers said a sizable crowd assembled for a peaceful, prayer-focused gathering.
According to Rev. Mark Charles on Facebook, the vigil was organized quickly in response to sadness, anger, fear and concern they said they had heard from people across the local community following tragic events over the weekend. The gathering was intentionally framed as a prayer vigil open to the entire community, with invitations spread primarily through social media. Participants held candles while huddled in the front of the church facing Centre Street.
Participants stood together on the church steps to reflect, lament and pray for those most affected by violence and unrest triggered by ICE and U.S. Border Patrol in Minnesota and elswhere, organizers said.
Pastor Dawn Mayes of the First Presbyterian Church and one of the organizers of the event, said "we want to be very clear that it was not a protest."
"That was the first thing that Rev. Charles said at the beginning of the evening: This is not a protest. There is a time and place for that, but our purpose is coming together in solidarity. Our focus for the evening was bringing people together in community, as we unite in seeking God‘s help in this troubled time," Mayes said.
Charles said a small number of people appeared to misunderstand the purpose of the event. They reported that at least one individual attempted to disrupt the vigil by repeatedly sounding a car alarm, while others may have observed from the crowd. Organizers expressed hope that anyone who attended out of concern or skepticism left understanding that the gathering was peaceful and prayerful in nature.
Several clergy members participated, leading prayers and reflections. The vigil was hosted by Memorial United Methodist Church and joined by faith leaders and congregants from First Presbyterian Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Greater Fernandina Beach Church of God, Elm Street Church of God, Trinity United Methodist Church, and St. Michael's Catholic Church. Chaplains from Baptist Nassau Medical Center and Community Hospice also participated.
Earlier Thursday evening, about 50 people gathered for a separate vigil at Central Park, where participants likewise met peacefully to pray and reflect, but in contrast there was opposition to ICE and Border Patrol incidents in Minnesota.
Organizers said both gatherings were intended to provide a space for collective healing and unity during a time of widespread distress.
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Candis Whitney
Thanks, Mike, for your report of this mournful yet beautiful gathering
Friday, January 30 Report this
JofusD
Mike,
Come on, you are better than this. The use of language such as "demonstrator" and "rally" are reminiscent of the 1960s war protests which often became explosive in nature. Last night's Gathering was a vigil. A place for grieving folks to gather together, pray for our country. And pray for peace.
Your attention-grabbing headline does not reflect this.
Friday, January 30 Report this
CynFagen
The title of this article is misleading. Memorial Methodist of Fernandina has never hosted a "protest" or "rally" of any ilk.
We have come to a point though that a white church slap full of Trump voters cannot host an interdenominational prayer without being harassed and menaced by the fascist curious.
Friday, January 30 Report this
Mark Tomes
And why should not prayer vigils also be protests? Prayers and lamentations allow us to wallow in our grief, but also should give us strength to stand up to violence, prejudice and discrimination, and our rights being taken away. Prayer can unite us, but it is only the beginning. Prayer without action is avoiding taking responsibility as engaged citizens.
Saturday, January 31 Report this