Church Holds Celebration to Honor Those Who Helped During Murrah Bombing

On the eve of the 15th anniversary of the Murrah bombing, dozens gathered at a local church to honor those who helped during that trying time.

Sunday, April 18th 2010, 8:59 pm

By: News 9


NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- On the eve of the 15th anniversary of the Murrah bombing, dozens gathered at a local church to honor those who helped during that trying time.

The First Christian Church of Oklahoma City played a key role in the events of April 19, 1995. The church is where families gathered and waited to hear the fate of their loved ones.

"I think we embodied at that time everything the church was meant to be," said Reverend Don Alexander.

The church was also the one place the families could find relief in the middle of the chaos.

"Some have said those three weeks were First Christian's finest hour and that's a good way to put it," Rev. Alexander said.

Sunday, the church put on a musical celebration, an event to remember those who lost their lives. But the celebration was also meant to honor and recognize all those who helped out during the aftermath of the attack.

Guests Sunday included former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating, Reverend Don Alexander who was pastor of the Church at the time of the bombing, and the Church's musical director Dr. Nettie Williams, who helped organize this service

"I want us to all remember what it was like when we as a church and the community came together for a need greater than ourselves," Dr. Williams said. "The whole purpose is to bring recognition to that community spirit that Oklahoma City became known for nationally."

Williams was one of the many volunteers who worked long hours doing everything and anything to help the day of the attack. A small part of a large response she said whether it's 15 years or 30 years, should never be forgotten.

"I don't mean to bring this up every year to be sad. I think it's a time that we bring it up because we remember how the city responded, a lot of the wonderful parts about our community and how healing it can be," Dr. Williams said.

The church was originally chosen as the Family Assistance Center because it's two miles north of where the Murrah building stood and organizers that day said it was far enough for families to be without being too far away.

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