By Jack Freedman Staff Writer

On September 18 at 7:30 p.m., over 1,000 Bell County residents gathered for a candlelit vigil in memory of conservative activist and Christian martyr Charlie Kirk at Bell County Courthouse. Attendees engaged in a time of worship and remembrance for Kirk. 

“Our goal with this vigil is to bring people to Jesus because I believe that ultimately that was what Charlie’s number one goal was,” Bell County Young Republicans President Reagan Keith said. “Charlie’s message had a big impact on my life. Without him, there would be no Young Republicans chapter in Belton.” 

The vigil was organized by the Bell County Young Republicans and funded by Vintage and Crossroads churches. Pastors from Belton churches attended as guest speakers, along with pastors from the DFW area. 

“I met Charlie Kirk a few years ago and got to speak with him at events,” the Rev. Seth Peebles of IAM Church in Fort Worth, said. “I would listen to him backstage whenever I got the chance. My kids even knew him as ‘Uncle Charlie.’” 

Once the sun set, the Rev. Daniel Peebles and the Rev. Joshua Brown led the crowd in a revival service. Attendees sang hymns, prayed for the Kirk family and the Turning Point USA ministry, and listened to messages from the guest pastors. 

“I never got the chance to meet Charlie Kirk, but I was always inspired by his message,” the Rev. Matt Thrasher of Crossroads Church said. “When he first came to my attention, I was impressed by this young man who wasn’t afraid of using scripture to justify his beliefs. I know that Charlie would have been willing to die for his faith, and that he would have been proud to see how people have come together to celebrate what God did in his life.” 

Towards the end of the vigil, people lit candles. Peebles led the crowd in a rendition of “Amazing Grace” before praying that God would use Kirk’s legacy to inspire others to spread the Gospel. Peebles then made a call for people to come to Christ. Dozens of people came forward and gave their lives to the Lord. After the final prayer, they were baptized in Nolan Creek.