PA Presbyterian Church Opens Doors After The Murder of Organist in Sanctuary
We thank God this church can move on from the recent tragedy at their church. We pray they continue to move on and praise God as they had in the past. The First United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport in Pennsylvania has reopened its doors Sunday, after being closed for over 30 days. The church's organist was shot to death inside the church building which caused the doors to be closed since the murder.
“The one act of violence has not controlled us, we remain strong, and faithful, and God’s light continues to shine it was not put out,” said Reverend Evon Lloyd, First United Presbyterian Church.The church's organist, 53-year old Darlene-Sitler was shot and killed during Sunday service on December 2nd. It was her ex-husband, 52-year-old Gregory Eldred, who has been charged with first degree murder in connection with her death. Sunday, the congregation lit a candle in Sitler’s memory.
“Darlene was a joyous, generous, enthusiastic, exuberant person…for her to be with her Church family, and doing what she loved when she died, was horrific but it was a gift, and for this congregation to support her in that, gives me a lot of comfort,” said Rev Lloyd.As part of her message to the congregation, Reverend Lloyd expressed her deepest appreciation for the continued support from those around the globe, as well as from other area churches, and community members here at home.
“A violent evil act does not have the last word, God’s love and grace has the last word and the love and grace has been overwhelming from every corner,” said Rev Lloyd.
