The following is a list of prayer and memorial services planned to honor the victims and families of Wednesday’s shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Also listed are fundraisers for the church and victims’ families, as well as cancellations and closings in response to the tragedy.
We will update this list as new information becomes available.
Services Planned
Several local churches and others statewide held events Thursday at noon to honor and pray for the victims and families of Wednesday’s shooting. MUSC also held a prayer vigil.
ABC News 4 will have more later today on one of the vigils held at Morris Brown AME Church. Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott and other prominent figures attended that.
Additional prayer services are also planned.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will offer a prayer service Thursday at 5 p.m. at 30 Race St., Charleston.
Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St., Charleston, is hosting a prayer service Thursday at 7 p.m. It’s open to people of all faiths. Following prayers, participants are invited to walk to Emanuel AME Church to drop off letters of sympathy, notes, cards and flowers.
Another vigil is planned for 7 p.m. at Goose Creek High School. One of the shooting victims was Sharonda Singleton, the head coach of the girls’ track team and a speech/language pathologist at Goose Creek.
Charleston Southern University will hold a vigil at 8 p.m. tonight.
The City of Charleston will host a prayer vigil on Friday at 6 p.m. at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena, 66 George Street. Space is limited and seating will be on a first come first serve basis. Meeting Street will be closed from Calhoun to George streets starting at 5 p.m. until the conclusion of the event. Congestion is expected so motorists are asked to avoid this area if possible. Free parking will be available at the following City of Charleston parking garages: 34 St. Philip Street garage; Wentworth garage; Gaillard garage. Attendees are asked not to bring bags to the event. Bags will be searched.
The Church of Our Saviour on Johns Island will open its chapel for prayer, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. today through Saturday. The services will be open to people of all faiths and denominations. There will be a special book of condolences that will be bound and sent to Mother Emanuel AME Church next week to offer a written prayers and messages.
Donations
During a press conference Thursday, Mayor Joe Riley announced the creation of the “Mother Emanuel Hope Fund” at any Wells Fargo or city offices, or by mail at P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC 29402. You can send donations from your phone: http://bidr.co/events/item-detail.php?evt=4553item=9484
The Charleston RiverDogs announced that all proceeds from their Thursday night game would be donated to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund.
Edmund’s Oast, a restaurant in Charleston, announced they will also donate all proceeds Thursday to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund.
Boeing, which manufactures its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, announced today that it is donating $100,000 to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund to help provide for the needs of the families of victims.
“Our community is experiencing immense grief and mourning as we all try to come to grips with this horrible tragedy,” said Beverly Wyse, Boeing South Carolina vice president and general manager. “But our community is revealing its strong character as well, which is rooted in courage, hope and resolve. Boeing’s commitment to this community is deep and strong, and we share in its grief. We are also committed to being a part of the healing in the days and weeks to come, and we continue to keep the families and friends of the victims in our thoughts and prayers.”
Cancellations
In response to the shootings, all 16 Charleston County Public Library branches were closed Thursday. Library officials say that an employee was among those killed.
Classes at Buist Academy were also canceled.
Several politicians canceled events and appearances.
South Carolina senator and Republican presidential candidate Lindsey Graham canceled campaign stops abroad to travel back to South Carolina.
Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush canceled campaign events scheduled Thursday in the Lowcountry, as did Donald Trump.
Check back as more details become available.