As many as 300 people or more gathered in Jack Kilby Square for a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, in memory of Charlie Kirk. It was also a call to worship, with local pastors leading prayers and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The majority of the audience wore red to honor the conservative activist who cofounded Turning Point USA and built a large national following among right-leaning students and voters. Kirk died after being shot on Sept. 10 while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.

Other T-shirts had flags and words such as “Freedom.” One shirt read, “#We ARE Charlie.”

Lynn Bolding organized the local vigil, stressing that it would not be about politics. 

“We’re here to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s life of faith,” she said Tuesday, as volunteers handed out 260 red and blue glow sticks, wishing they had more. She noted that Oct. 14 was Kirk’s birthday, so the audience also sang “Happy Birthday” later in the meeting.

People sang along with hymns and listened to contemporary Christian music between prayers and speakers. Joshua Bolding, Lynn’s husband, started the meeting with a prayer.

Pastor Sam Ryan from Ellinwood Community Church was the first speaker, who started by referring to 2 Timothy, chapter 4. 

Charlie Kirk was a man that allowed his faith to determine his politics and worldview, Ryan said. The United States “has a sin problem – and that caused his death.”

But, he continued, “We don’t fight hate with hate. In response to hate, we live like Jesus.”

“God bless America; God bless Charlie,” said Heartland Community Church Pastor Troy Miller. “We get to carry on where Charlie left off.” He said that means honoring Kirk’s priorities of “faith, family, freedom.”

“This is a moment where Great Bend comes together,” said Buzz Birney, leading a prayer as people were asked to come forward, and to ask for prayer if needed. “Let the love of Jesus resonate with this group right here in Great Bend, Kansas.”

Eric Rostine with the Great Bend Church of the Nazarene said Kirk is now part of “the great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in the book of Hebrews. Hope is coming to college campuses, where Kirk often spoke, and that will continue, he said. He prayed, “Help us be like Charlie Kirk as we share with our friends and families.”

Also participating was Pastor Vic Link from the Cross Winds of Kansas Bikers Church in Great Bend.

Bolding thanked Brian Ewing of Encore Sound for helping and told the audience, “Thank you for coming out. This was wonderful.”

Closing music included recorded songs “Proud to be an American” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”