Organizers of Monday night’s unity event on the Court Square said as word spread of their plans, they were approached by many people who said they hoped the event would be a beginning, not an end.

Darryl Calloway, pastor of First Baptist Church Whatley Street, and Phillip Morgan, pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, worked together for a “We Are One” gathering as a reaction to recent unrest in the country. The evening including a message of love and inclusiveness, singing, and moment of silence in memory of Heather Heyer, who died in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 while participating in a counter-demonstration to a white supremacist rally. She was struck by a truck.

Approximately 150 people attended the event.

Morgan told those gathered that inspiration for forgiveness can be found in the example of forgiveness granted by Christ.

“As we have been forgiven, we also can forgive,” he said.

Participants held hands to pray, and to sing. Selections included “God Bless America,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” “We Are the World,” and “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand.”

“I think I’m just floating in the glory of God,” Calloway said, adding that he was very pleased by the turnout.

“A lot of people have said they wanted to do more,” he said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but by pulling together, we can get there. ”