Ministers ritually clean site of killing
Published 10:48 pm Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MILL CREEK — Songs of peace rang out Tuesday on the street where a gunshot killed a Kirkland teenager two weeks ago.
Five ministers wearing white, black and gray clerical robes gathered to mourn the loss of life and pray for the community.
“We’ve come together to bless this site, to reclaim this site,” said the Rev. Randy Henderson of Cedar Cross United Methodist Church in Mill Creek.
It’s the first time south Snohomish County-area clergy have come together after an act of violence to ritually cleanse an area with prayer and song, he said. The idea came from a Pierce County minister.
Early on Oct. 28, police believe two young men got in an argument after a Halloween party in the 16400 block of 36th Avenue SE.
Christopher Chandler, 18, died at the scene. Snohomish County prosecutors have charged Bryce D. Fortier, 22, of Ellensburg with second-degree murder.
Chandler took his last breaths where Tuesday’s prayer service was held.
“We come together at this place and at this time in grief, acknowledging the tragic,” said the Rev. Kevin Nollette of Edmonds Presbyterian Church.
Chandler’s memorial service was held in Nollette’s church and the pastor is friendly with Chandler’s father.
“It is a very hard road for a family to take,” he said. The teenager’s family knew about Tuesday’s service and was thankful, he said.
“They were glad we’re having it,” Nollette said.
The ministers read prayers, recited the 23rd Psalm, sang a hymn and sprinkled water they had blessed on the ground where Chandler died.
“Water has always been seen as a symbol of life,” said the Rev. Paul Strawn of Mill Creek’s North Creek Presbyterian. “As we sprinkle water, come spirit, and redeem this space and people from the violence and death that has occurred here. Return it as a safe place, a place of community, a place of life, a place of hope.”
The group is likely to hold similar services, if needed, at sites where violence and hate occur, he said.
“Violence is not going to have the final say,” Strawn said.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
