Community rallies with faith and prayer

Vigils yesterday for a young deputy hospitalized from last week’s officer-involved shooting in the Port Bass Community of Oconee County.  As it has across the Upstate, the wounding of Lucas Watts has touched the church of one of his family members.  And it was at a cross at Earles Grove Baptist Church that people gathered at midafternoon yesterday for prayer.  The Rev. James Dyar addressed the tragedy in his morning sermon heard by a combination of Earles Grove church members and those from a nearby Fair Play church.  In an interview with 101.7/WGOG NEWS, the Rev. Mr. Dyar related a Saturday night phone call from Sheriff Crenshaw, made at the request of Watts’ father-in-law, Frank Ables.  The Earles Grove vigil took place in front of an outdoor cross that holds special importance to the church and community.  A second vigil took place last night in Seneca at the Shaver Recreation Complex.