Over 250 people assembled on the front steps of the Administration building at The University of Memphis last night in a moving exhibition of peace, unity and remembrance of those killed in Tuesday's attack.
Members of virtually every sector of the city began to gather around the flag staff in front of the building long before the service commenced.
At 8 p.m., the diverse crowd of students, faculty and Memphis citizens stood huddled close together sharing candles as Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders conducted prayer services.
"Light the candle of peace to shine in the darkness of violence,"said Shirley Raines, president of The U of M.
The soft glow of the candlelight shone like a ray of hope over an ocean of darkness as the lighting of candle after candle illuminated grieving faces bound together by a longing for peace.
"This brings the best out of people, and good people are what we all need to be right now,"said Rachel Dickson, a student at The U of M.
Words of strength and encouragement from religious and University leaders were a welcome comfort, said one student at the vigil.
Even as winds gusted during the hour long assembly, the silent support ran strong through the assembly as people cupped the flickering symbols of hope in their hands.
In the prolonged moment of silence that followed, the crowd joined in prayer of reflection and remembrance.
As bowed heads slowly rose, Nabil Al Bayakly, sheikh of the Muslim mosque near campus offered a powerful prayer that washed over the hushed crowd, focusing on unity and understanding.
"Have compassion and mercy on us all and bring us from this darkness to the light,"said the Muslim leader.
Following a chorus of "amens," Sampson Gitau, head of the Episcopalian congregation at The U of M, advised, "nation should not lift sword against nation."
"We all are a people of hope. Let us not be discouraged," Gitau said. "I am proud to stand among you all."
Anna Johnson of the Jewish Student Union called for unity and an open-minded attitude. “Let us put our hatred and bickering aside,” said Johnson.
In addition, Troyann Poulopoulos, a minister at the United Methodist Campus Ministry called upon the assembly to remain positive.
“Though we are full of emotion, we pray that a fresh shot of life results from this,” she said.
While emotional wounds continue to run deep on campus, last night’s sermon served as a step forward in dealing with this anguish constructively, as well as a focal point to confront problems directly.
“I was touched emotionally,” said Rayna Holly, a sophomore at The U of M. “I came to pay tribute, to donate whatever I can and offer my condolences to my fellow Americans who are suffering.”
As the service concluded, some students remained, among them Bashar Sakkan, an international student from Syria.
“It feels good to relieve some stress. It provided an outlet for everyone’s frustration and worry,” said Sakkan.
