Bronx Church Holds Vigil For Six Members Lost In Crash
Members of a Bronx church held a prayer vigil Monday night to remember their pastor and five fellow members who were killed in a crash.
About 200 gathered in Baychester to honor the lives of Simon White, the pastor of Joy Fellowship Christian Assembly, his wife Zelda and four others who were killed when their local church van crashed on the New York State Thruway Saturday, as they were on their way to a church banquet in Schenectady, N.Y.
A rear tire of the van blew out, the driver lost control, and the van rolled over several times, just north of the Woodbury Common shopping outlets.
Clergy members reminded congregants to have faith in God during this difficult time.
Bishop Simon White and his wife, Zelda. Bishop Simon White and his wife, Zelda. "To my mind, the important thing is they all died when giving service to their fellow man," said one mourner.
One speaker, Robert Reed, lost his mother and uncle in the crash. After speaking to the crowd, his emotions got the best of him and he laid prostrate on the floor.
Later, Reed talked to reporters about staying positive.
"The healing process, the healing process has begun," he said.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came courtesy of the Reverend David Wright of Grace Tabernacle Church, who knew what the Bronx congregation was going through.
His father, gospel singer Timothy Wright, died along with his mother and nephew in a car accident two years ago, when they were on their way home from a church convention in Detroit.
"I've asked why and sometimes you don't get an answer," said Wright. "God does things in his own time and his own way, and it's up to us to believe, to have faith and trust in what he allows to happen."
Eight others were injured in the accident and church members prayed for their recovery at the vigil.
Article from ny1.com
