The tune “We’ll Understand It Better By And By” sounded from the piano as the crowd stood and the family of the Rev. David Strong entered St. Paul AME Church for his memorial service.
“Though our hearts are heavy and have been broken, we are here to celebrate,” said the Rev. A.J. Holman, pastor of Bethel AME Church. “Help the family understand that death is not a dark alley leading to nowhere, but an open door to eternal life.”
Holman was among hundreds of people, mostly dressed in black, sitting in the pulpit and pews and standing in the aisles Friday night to participate in the largest and final service in Chattanooga scheduled to commemorate Strong’s life.
The crowd was so big that some people had to sit in the fellowship hall and watch the service on a big-screen television.
A memorial service is scheduled at Ward Chapel AME Church in Memphis at 6 p.m. Sunday. He will be eulogized at Ward Chapel at 11 a.m. Monday.
A picture of a smiling Strong, dressed in a white shirt and black suit, sat on the altar at the front of the church. Red and white flowers and lighted candles flanked the photo.
The minister, applauded for his community service and for mentoring youth, was found dead Sunday morning in his home. He had been beaten and stabbed 18 times.
Antonio Henry, 25, and his cousin, 16-year-old Brendan Barnes, each have been charged with robbery and murder in the case.
Terri Strong, the youngest of Strong’s nine brother’s and sisters, said thousands of people have expressed love to her family for her brother.
“He was not a person who would want us to be sad, because his life was filled with joy and gladness,” she said in an interview before the service. “So in spite of it being natural for us to mourn and be sad, as a family we’re going to try and honor him by trying to find joy.”
The science is clear: The earth is round, the sky is blue, and #vaccineswork. Let's protect all our kids. #GrandmothersKnowBest
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 3, 2015Terri Glover signed the guest book in the hallway before trying to find a seat.
“This has broken my heart to know that a man of God has been taken like this,” she said.
The church was full of pastors, elected officials and community leaders who, one by one, talked of Strong’s sense of humor, his love of food and love for people.
State Rep. JoAnne Favors, D-Chattanooga, suggested having legislation named in his honor that would help people with mental health disorders get more services.
Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge John McClarity said Strong’s chief service to mankind was saving souls.
“I think if he were here today he would tell you that he fought a good fight,” McClarty said. “I think he’ll tell you that he finished the course and when your day comes, make sure you can say the same.”