Responding to the Sept. 10 murder of political commentator and podcaster Charlie Kirk, Putnam County Clerk of Courts Trevor Addison hastily organized a multichurch prayer service at the Putnam County Courthouse that served as a memorial, a patriotic rally, and a unifying call for faith and courage last Saturday morning.
“We prayed that God would fill this room, and we had over 200 people here today,” Addison said immediately after the event. “I hope that everyone got a sense of fulfillment today and maybe got some energy to go out there and be the light unto the world that God and Charlie wants us to be.”
Addison also acknowledged a lot of uncertainty remains in many aspects of life these days, “not just in our community and the state, but on national level, even around the world when it comes to wars and things.”
He said the downtown Eatonton event was intended as an opportunity to inspire the local community and encourage people “not to be scared to go out there and fight for the truth and stand up for Christian values.”
“So, I hope today these people that came were able to get that fuel and the fire that they needed to do that,” he added.
Several local pastors who spoke at the event were joined by veterans, a high school student, a law enforcement officer, and three vocalists performing patriotic and religious songs, including the national anthem.
Prayers and reflections came from several local clergy members. Pastor Johnny Griffith Jr. of Crossroads Baptist Church was first to speak, and he thanked God “for the gift of salvation, that through your grace and our faith we can come to know you — the one that gives hope, the one that gives joy, the one that gives peace and comfort.”
Rev. David Wofford of Eatonton First Methodist Church next turned his focus to unity, warning that “the enemy seeks to divide us.” He urged the congregation to resist division, declaring that “our prayer for unity is actually a prayer for oneness. We pray for oneness because Jesus prays for all of his people.”
Pastor Tim Oliver of Lakeside Baptist Church then emphasized that faith and courage must come from God rather than human strength.
“We can have pep rallies until Jesus comes back, but the courage we need comes from you, O Holy Spirit,” he said.
Marshall Memorial’s Pastor Jerry Swafford next reflected on building strong communities, citing Kirk’s own words, which urge Christians to read, live, and teach the Bible.
“My brothers and sisters in Christ, we need unity here in this community. We need unity in the home. We need unity in the state of Georgia, and we need unity in the country of the United States of America, where I proudly stand here and say that I’m proud to be an American citizen,” Swafford added as the first major applause line of the event. “We need unity here in this community. We need unity in this country.”
John McMillian III then offered a prayer for families, focusing first on Kirk’s wife and two young children, but also emphasizing the need to remain strong at home.
Gatewood High School senior Riley Justice then acknowledged the pressures facing her generation.
“Growing up in this generation, it can be critical to keep our focus on You,” she said, addressing God directly. “There are so many false truths and doctrines being forced upon us, but I pray our generation gains discernment to know what is right and give us truth in wisdom.”
Following his wife, Mandy, singing “God Bless America,” Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Barbee next prayed for law enforcement personnel and all emergency workers.
“We walk paths most will never see,” Barbee said. “We ask for guidance for those who run into situations, people’s worst tragedies. Keep them safe, let them return to their families.”
Likewise, retired Chief Warrant Officer Eddie Collins offered prayers for military service members, emphasizing those far from home on missions worldwide.
“Please give them strength and courage as they combat forces that threaten peace and our democracy,” Collins said.
“Charlie Kirk embodied the very spirit of what the United States of America was founded upon. He welcomed open and honest debate with anyone, regardless of their environment, political view, or beliefs,” Collins later added. “He encouraged people to speak boldly, to challenge him directly and to engage in real conversation about the truth.”
Following a stirring rendition of “Come Jesus Come,” by vocalist Stoshia Austin, the approximately one-hour event concluded with a tribute video released earlier in the week by Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization. It featured Kirk in his own words.
“America is the greatest country in the history of the world. The Constitution is the greatest political document ever written. Free enterprise is the truest way to lift people out of poverty. Those are the three big ideas,” Kirk said from the screen as several people dabbed their eyes and swallowed deeply.
“I’m far more interested in what God wants of me than what I want from God,” he added in another clip.
His widow, Erica Kirk, also appeared in the video, saying she was “very proud” of her husband, calling him “amazing.”
Pastor Griffith closed the service with a message about boldness in faith, holding up a tiny, plastic figurine given to him by a student.
“All of us need a little Jesus in our lives,” he said. “We actually need a lot of Jesus. But this is the perfect way to start being courageous with your faith.”