ENID, OK - A candlelight vigil was held Friday evening, April 14 at the Garfield County Courthouse Gazebo. The vigil was organized for the community to come together and grieve for the newborn boy that was recently found deceased in a dumpster.
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The event was put together by Bill and Amy Stittsworth along with many other volunteers. Stittsworth Funeral Home is donating a casket, providing a dignified funeral and, with help of a cemetery, providing a dignified burial for the baby boy. The Enid Elks Lodge donated 1,000 candles for the candlelight vigil.
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The vigil not only drew a very large crowd of local residents but also state news stations who were on hand to cover the event. The entire courthouse lawn surrounding the gazebo was lined with supporters, mourners and prayer warriors.
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Bill Stittsworth opened the vigil and introduced Sheriff Jerry Niles who gave the opening prayer. Other speakers included Pastor Andrew Long, Pastor Damon Burpo and Pastor Alan Seibel. Carlie Duffy, Chloe Beth Campbell, Kristi Kirkpatrick Brown and Pastor Edward Jones provided songs throughout the evening.
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The Downed Bikers Association (DBA) and A Brotherhood Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) motorcycle riders were in force to show their support. The Enid Fire Department and Youth and Family Services spoke to the audience and explained the Safe Haven Law.
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The Safe Haven Law allows a parent to leave a baby, up to 7 days old, with an employee on duty at any medical facility, hospital, fire station, police station or child welfare agency in Oklahoma without fear of prosecution or arrest. Since its inception over 2,000 babies have been saved because of this program.
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An Enid Buzz live stream of the vigil on Facebook attracted over 11k views, over 350 comments, 240 shares and reached over 80,000 people. Current and one-time Enid residents tuned in and commented throughout the ceremony.
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On Facebook, Sarah Shepard said, "Look at this community coming together for a sweet baby." Heather Moore commented, "Prayers and love, may the he rest peacefully in the hands of God... Such a heartbreaking shame. What a wonderful community we have to come together as one for this little one." There were literally hundreds of other comments just like these left on Facebook.
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The evening ended with participants holding lit candles while Pastor Edward Jones sang a haunting rendition of Amazing Grace. As Pastor Jones ended his song a synchronized group of motorcycles fired their engines and in unison racked their pipes with their own tribute to the deceased baby boy.
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Candlelight Vigil Attracts Large Crowd
