First Service Held at Black Church Since 9 Slayings

Members of a historic black church worshipped at their sanctuary Sunday for the first time since a gunman opened fire at a Bible study, killing nine people

A bicyclist rides in front of the Emanuel AME Church, Sunday, June 21, 2015, before the first worship service since nine people were fatally shot at the church during a Bible study group, in Charleston, S.C. AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton

CHARLESTON, S.C.—Members of a historic black church worshipped at their sanctuary Sunday for the first time since a gunman opened fire at a Bible study, killing nine people, and uniformed police officers stood among the congregation as a measure of added security.

The service started with a message of love, recovery and healing, which will no doubt reverberate throughout churches across the country.

“We still believe that prayer changes things. Can I get a witness?” the Rev. Norvel Goff said. The congregated responded with a rousing “Yes.”

“But prayer not only changes things, it changes us,” Goff said.

Gillettie Bennett, right, comforts Clarissa Jackson, left, Sunday, June 21, 2015, while she waits in line for Emanuel AME Church's first worship service since nine people were fatally shot at the church during a Bible study group, in Charleston, S.C. AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton