San Saba Paying Tribute to the Life & Legacy of Charlie Kirk

  • Seen here is part of the 200+ crowd that gathered on Tuesday, September 16th, to honor the memory of the late Charlie Kirk and his beliefs, values, and principles that he demonstrated in his life. This photo shows the Candle Light Ceremony taking place. Photo by Kenneth Pierce
    Seen here is part of the 200+ crowd that gathered on Tuesday, September 16th, to honor the memory of the late Charlie Kirk and his beliefs, values, and principles that he demonstrated in his life. This photo shows the Candle Light Ceremony taking place. Photo by Kenneth Pierce
  • This sign was front and center at the Charlie Kirk Vigil last week at the San Saba Courthouse. Photo by Djuana Payton
    This sign was front and center at the Charlie Kirk Vigil last week at the San Saba Courthouse. Photo by Djuana Payton
  • This was the invitation posted by Cynthia Brand on Facebook at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Courtesy of Cynthia Brand
    This was the invitation posted by Cynthia Brand on Facebook at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Courtesy of Cynthia Brand
  • Cynthia Brand is setting up the banner that reads "Jesus is the Answer" for the event. Photo by Djuana Payton
    Cynthia Brand is setting up the banner that reads "Jesus is the Answer" for the event. Photo by Djuana Payton
  • This photo was taken around 6:40 p.m., 20 minutes before the starting time. They folks just kept coming and coming. Photo by Djuana Payton
    This photo was taken around 6:40 p.m., 20 minutes before the starting time. They folks just kept coming and coming. Photo by Djuana Payton
  • Getting ready for the candle lighting ceremony. Photo by Kenneth Pierce
    Getting ready for the candle lighting ceremony. Photo by Kenneth Pierce

    The San Saba Ministerial Alliance sponsored a Candle Light Vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk last Tuesday, September 16th, outside the San Saba County Courthouse.

    The event started at 7 p.m. At 6:40, there were already over 55 people there gathered. It was difficult to count folks because they just kept coming.

    There were a few people handing out candles to everyone. Cynthia Brand said they started out with 200 candles and ran out, so they know there were over 200 in attendance.

    Tom Brand from the Father's House opened the event.

    An audio tribute of Charlie Kirk was played as the event started. In it, Charlie Kirk was asked, "How do you want to be remembered?" Kirk answered, "I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing to me."

    If you have ever heard Charlie Kirk, you already know that was what was most important to him.

    After the audio tribute, Tom Brand led the 200+ in a few songs: 

    How Great Thou Art 

    O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder 

    Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made 

    I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder 

    Thy power throughout the universe displayed 

    Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, 

    'How Great thou art, how great Thou art'

    'How Great thou art, how great Thou art'

    Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone 

    Amazing grace how sweet the sound 

    That saved a wretch like me 

    I once was lost but now I'm found 

    'Twas blind but now I see 

    My chains are gone, I've been set free 

    My God, My Savior has ransomed me 

    And like a flood His mercy reigns 

    Unending love,Amazing Grace 

    Holy, Holy, Holy

    Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty 

    Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee 

    Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty 

    God in three persons 

    Blessed Trinity 

    After the group singing, local pastors took turns in a time of prayer. Those who participated were:

    • Tom Brand from The Father's House

    •Alan Arthur from First Baptist Church San Saba

    • David Pierce from First Assembly of God San Saba

    • Judy Swartz from First Methodist Church San Saba

    • Drew Finch representing Hill Country Bible Church

    • Karen Gill representing St Mary’s Catholic Church

    • Michael Taylor from High Valley

    • Bill Baker representing First Presbyterian Church 

    All those who had gathered on the courthouse lawn and were able, then sang: How Great Is Our God

    The splendor of a King clothed in majesty 

    Let all the Earth rejoice, all the Earth rejoice 

    He wraps himself in light and darkness tries to hide 

    And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice 

    How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God 

    And all will see how great, how great is our God 

    After the group song, Cynthia Brand then sang, 'Jesus is the Answer.'

    She also read John 6:44 which starts out, ' No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.'

    The event ended with a candle lighting ceremony. Mrs. Brand stated that during this time, a song that was written by Jelly Roll specifically for Charlie Kirk memorials called 'Take him home, Lord' was played.

    Cynthia Brand wanted to express her appreciation for local law enforcement that made their presence known so those who attended felt safe to gather for this time of reflection and praise to God. She noted that law enforcement was even on the courthouse rooftop.

    If you attended the Charlie Kirk vigil last week, please consider writing a Letter to the Editor and to tell our readers your take-aways from this highly attended event.

    Just send your letter to editor.sansabanews@centex.net or mail to P O Box 815, San Saba, TX 76877.

    Be sure to include your name, town, and phone number.

    Limit Letters to the Editor to 250 words.