Vigil offers community hope moving forward

After a crime that makes so little sense to so many people, a full sanctuary gathered at Second Presbyterian Church to honor those lost and try to make sense of it all.

"It strikes so close to home, such a tragedy, and we need to stand united, " said Jason Brown, a Knoxville native attending Monday night's vigil.

This night, it's common ground, a strength in faith, and strength in numbers.

"I think any time people have a strong emotion, they want to share," Rose Williams said. "Just to be together and see the expressions on other people's faces and know they're feeling the same thing we are."

Even as storm clouds rolled in, supporters flooded the church. It may be Presbyterian by name, but on this night it was Knoxvillian by necessity.

"It shows the common love, the good things about each of the different faiths to me," said Knoxville native Virginia Williams.

As the service went on, it was a gradual shift. Inside, a confused community worked to make peace with acts that seem senseless. They then moved on to words of hope and how a community can cope and come back stronger than ever.

"I feel like this is going to be a big thing," said Eileen Gormley of Knoxville.

As supporters spread the light, candle to candle, the rain outside started falling a little bit slower, washing away a small piece of the community's pain.

"We need to lead by example. Staying silent is one of the most devastating things we can do at this time," Brown said.

By the end of the night, there were still a few sprinkles dampening the air.

But as the church doors opened and people walked out, the song playing inside, "Tomorrow" from the play Annie, rang out.

When Sunday's shooter struck the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, children were performing a version of that same play.

Perhaps it's a sign many are ready to pick up right where they left off, but this time louder than ever before and in perfect harmony.