In prayer and in silence

Published 9:00 pm Friday, September 14, 2001

Everett events speak volumes despite bomb threat

By Kate Reardon

Herald Writer

EVERETT — While 400 people gathered Friday at a downtown Everett church for a nationwide day of prayer, Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel led a moment of silence on a nearby street corner for dozens who were evacuated from county buildings after a bomb threat.

Everett police and fire crews searched the area and found nothing following the 12:15 p.m. threat, Everett Police Capt. Mike Campbell said. The building reopened at about 2:30 p.m.

"We’ve been deprived by someone, so we can’t ring the bell," Drewel said. "When I get to the count of 10, hold your head in a moment of silence."

Inside the First Presbyterian Church, several spiritual leaders led prayers in remembrance on behalf of the nation and those who died in Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., and New York. Some in attendance brought flowers.

Groups gathered throughout the county for the day of prayer. Those who could not attend special events still participated. At Costco in south Everett, for example, customers were reminded that employees might stop work for the moment of prayer.

Meanwhile, outside the county courthouse, one couple, Jeff Yaskus and Kristina Mastroianni of Sultan, were getting ready to sign their marriage license when they heard the building’s alarm system sound. Yaskus said with everything that has gone on this week, it was a bit nerve-racking when the alarm went off.

Another couple was about to get married when the alarm went off. The bride in a white gown stood at the corner of Wall Street and Rockefeller Avenue as the groom was sent around the corner to wait.

"We can’t let him see her before the ceremony," one of the groomsmen said.

Snohomish County Superior Court Judge James Allendorfer later married the couple in the First Presbyterian Church, since the courthouse was still closed.

Many around the nation lit candles at 7 p.m. Friday after a widespread e-mail sent out over the last two days called for a brief moment of remembrance.

"We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism," the e-mail read.

You can call Herald Writer Kate Reardon at 425-339-3455

or send e-mail to reardon@heraldnet.com.