Rev. John E. Unsworth, Pastor
Worship Style - Traditional Roman Catholic
This week we were taken on an extremely unexpected journey. On May 29th, an endeared court security officer at the U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, where David is the Clerk, was hit and killed by a RIPTA bus just outside the courthouse. David had worked with Frank McKnight for the last 13 years. Frank had been a Vietnam veteran and a North Kingstown police officer prior to his service at the court. His sudden and shocking death was deeply felt throughout the court family.
On this Saturday, we were honored to attend the funeral. The service began with the playing of bagpipes as the casket and family entered the church. A large contingent of law enforcement officers formed an honor guard, which included members of the U.S. Marshals Service, fellow Court Security Officers, and state and local police.
The Mass was con-celebrated by four priests who were chaplains to certain law enforcement organizations. The service focused on Frank McKnight's strong faith and life of service. A powerful eulogy was given by the U.S. Marshal, and the service culminated with a lone bagpipe player performing "Amazing Grace" while slowly processing into and out of the sanctuary. After the procession of the casket and family to the outside of the church, there was a ceremony of military and law enforcement honors, including a gun salute, the playing of taps and presentation of the American flag to Frank's widow. We were extremely touched by this ceremony. As you can imagine, the presence of Jesus at such a difficult time was so very powerful.
We would like to ask for prayers for Frank's family and his court family as they move on without him.
Worship Style - Traditional Roman Catholic
This week we were taken on an extremely unexpected journey. On May 29th, an endeared court security officer at the U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, where David is the Clerk, was hit and killed by a RIPTA bus just outside the courthouse. David had worked with Frank McKnight for the last 13 years. Frank had been a Vietnam veteran and a North Kingstown police officer prior to his service at the court. His sudden and shocking death was deeply felt throughout the court family.
On this Saturday, we were honored to attend the funeral. The service began with the playing of bagpipes as the casket and family entered the church. A large contingent of law enforcement officers formed an honor guard, which included members of the U.S. Marshals Service, fellow Court Security Officers, and state and local police.
The Mass was con-celebrated by four priests who were chaplains to certain law enforcement organizations. The service focused on Frank McKnight's strong faith and life of service. A powerful eulogy was given by the U.S. Marshal, and the service culminated with a lone bagpipe player performing "Amazing Grace" while slowly processing into and out of the sanctuary. After the procession of the casket and family to the outside of the church, there was a ceremony of military and law enforcement honors, including a gun salute, the playing of taps and presentation of the American flag to Frank's widow. We were extremely touched by this ceremony. As you can imagine, the presence of Jesus at such a difficult time was so very powerful.
We would like to ask for prayers for Frank's family and his court family as they move on without him.