Jacksonville prayer service honors mass shooting victims

Southside United Methodist Church, FSCJ hold vigils Wednesday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As thousands continue to mourn those killed in the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub, dozens in Jacksonville came together Wednesday morning to grieve at Southside United Methodist Church.

Wednesday morning, dozens gathered at Southside United Methodist for a prayer service to honor the victims.
Among those attending the prayer service to honor the victims were church members, visitors and members of the LGBT community.

"It's a very personal situation. It's tragic, it's heartbreaking, and it's very emotional," said Chuck Chapman.

Chapman told News4Jax he is not a member of the church but has clients who are. He said when he learned the news of the tragedy, he was reminded of how far hate can drive others.

"As an openly gay man who is 64 years old, my life has been filled by feelings of hatred from other individuals in my own community, where I own a business, and I own my home," said Chapman.

For Chapman, attending the prayer service at Southside United Methodist was a chance to see humanity at its best.

"It's filling my heart with love, and we need that,” Chapman said. “We need that to move on."

News4Jax honored a request from Pastor Bruce Jones that cameras not be allowed inside as the service was going on.

Jones said nearly 100 people attended the service. They prayed for the victims, first responders, members of the LGBT community, and even those who wish harm on others, like the Orlando shooter who was killed by police Sunday.

As he held a sign saying, “Pray for our enemies,” Jones explained why.

"That's the one group that he (Jesus) identifies that we must pray for the most out of all possible groups," Jones said. "We pray that God will bless them, wake them up from that dream, that nightmare of violence."

Jones' mission Wednesday is far from over. Later he will travel to Orlando for an annual conference with other Methodist pastors from around Florida.

He said this year's event is the first time it will be held in the city. The plans to go there were scheduled months ago.

"Some of us were asking, 'Why Orlando?' That's not a place we usually go to," Jones said. "We know now why we are meeting in Orlando."

Vigil at FSCJ remembers Orlando shooting victims

The Gay-Straight Alliance Club at Florida State College at Jacksonville's south camp also held a vigil Wednesday to remember the victims of the Orlando shooting and look forward to more change. 

WATCH: Vigil for Orlando victims held at FSCJ

About 60 people students and staff attended the vigil, and stood in silence as the names of the victims killed were read one by one. 

"We woke up to the news of this tragedy. It's awful. And the community just really needs to branch together," high school student Caro Barkowitz said. 

Rose petals were placed to represent each of the 49 lives lost in the shooting. 

The Gay-Straight Alliance Club said as long as there is still hatred against the LGBT community more needs to be done. 

FSCJ has safe spaces on campus, but the club wants more training events. 

"We need to take care of one another as a community," said Logan Coleman, member of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

Members said they hope the vigil reminded people that everyone deserves to be treated equally.

"Love always wins. We have proven that time and time again," Coleman said. 

The club also plans to send cards to the victims still at hospitals in Orlando. 


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.

Veteran journalist and Emmy Award winning anchor