Okeechobee Remembers Orlando, Law Enforcement Victims
On Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 6 p.m., the old bell of Church of Our Saviour Episcopal pealed across the downtown area. This bell typically rings out on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, calling the church to worship. On this night, however, it rang for a different reason. It was a call to the entire community of Okeechobee to pause and remember the many lives that have been lost in Orlando, the acts of violence against our fallen police officers, and the acts of terrorism that are plaguing our country and the world.
The staff of Church of Our Saviour had been discussing the possibility of offering a community prayer service for the Orlando victims in late June, since the massacre hit close for every Episcopal church in Central Florida. The seat of our diocese is the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, less than a ten-minute drive down the street from the Pulse nightclub.
The Rev. Jim Shevlin, rector of Church of Our Saviour, said: “The Cathedral, the bishop, and the clergy were stunned after this tragedy. Almost immediately, our clergy were allowed into the staging area of the tragedy to help minister to the victims and their families. Prayer vigils were offered throughout the diocese at many churches, especially in the Orlando area.”
While the church was in the planning stages for this prayer service, the Dallas police tragedy occurred, then Baton Rouge, then Kansas City, and finally, San Diego. During this time, the Okeechobee Ministerial Association approached Father Shevlin about hosting the community’s Fifth Sunday worship service at Church of Our Saviour. He immediately agreed and decided that the service should focus on mourning and prayer for all the souls lost due to these senseless acts of violence.
The service took shape as a candlelight vigil, naming the 49 victims of Orlando and the 10 law enforcement officers, with a larger candle in the center commemorating victims across the world. At the end of the service, 60 candles illuminated the altar.
Sharon Wallace, a member of Church of Our Saviour who attended the vigil, said: “As a parishioner, I feel very connected to the Orlando community. Knowing that our Cathedral was so close, it made the reading of the names surreal. It was very uplifting to see the multiple denominations come together as one to pray together.”
The service began with the Okeechobee Community Choir, under the direction of Sandy Perry, singing a rousing call to worship that included “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Members of the Spanish Choir from Sacred Heart Catholic Church sang the special music during the service, and Father Shevlin delivered the sermon, reflecting on the Gospel reading. Perry and Andy McKillop of Northside Baptist played a rendition of “Nearer, My God, to Thee” on piano and harmonica. The community choir assisted in the remainder of the service, with Church of Our Saviour’s music director, Kevin Kinnaird, accompanying them on piano and organ.
Clergy participants included Father Shevlin, the Rev. Deche Hamill, and Postulant Kay Mueller of Church of Our Saviour; the Rev. Loy Mershimer and the Rev. Allen Patterson of First Presbyterian; and the Rev. Jim Dawson of First United Methodist, who assisted in the prayers.
After the service, the candles were transferred to a location under the memorial bell tower while a reception was held in the parish hall. The chapel, directly across from the bell tower, was made available for private prayer.
Cathleen Blair, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, commented: “I was privileged to attend the ecumenical service. No matter who they were, all faiths put their individual beliefs aside and prayed together for these lost souls. It was a prayerful gathering that left an impression on me that prayer brings a peace that we hope will reach the families. May the lost souls rest in peace.”
Church of Our Saviour is located at 200 N.W. 3rd St. in Okeechobee. The chapel is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.