Several people from the Perry community gathered at Weiss Park for a vigil service Thursday evening.

The impromptu service was due to the earlier events at the Perry High School where an apparent shooting took place that claimed the life of a sixth grade student, along with injuring four other students and high school principal Dan Marburger. President of the Perry Ministerial association Pastor Lynne Hanna started the program with some remarks and invited anyone who wanted to speak about how they felt to do so.

One Perry resident shared his appreciation for people coming together after a tragic event.

“I just like to say thank you guys for everybody that have joined every single member here in Perry. My name is Juan and I don’t know, a lot of you people know who I am. Just wanted to let you guys know I appreciate what you guys have done for everybody in this community.”

St. Martin’s Epsicpol Church Reverend Don Keller offered an encouraging message for the Perry community.

“So I ask each of you tonight, as you provide your faith, whatever it is, to share your love, and feelings of compassion, your feelings of hope, not only your family and friends tonight, and your fellow students, but throughout the coming days, the difficult days ahead, because they will come. But with hope, and with prayer, and with faith, we will get through this.”    

Retired pastor Lou Hoger led everyone in song throughout the service.