ROCKINGHAM- With the recent surge of mass shootings across America, including church shootings in Charleston, S.C., and Sutherland Springs, Texas, the time has come for increased diligence around security at places of worship.
First Baptist Church of Rockingham will host “Preparation Sunday” on Sunday, February 18, at 4 p.m. The event, which is sponsored by the City of Rockingham, will include a 45 minute audio-visual presentation on church safety.
The educational session will be led by Police Chief Billy Kelly and Detective Lt. George Gillenwater of the Rockingham Police Department.
“The police department put together this program in hopes of helping some churches with their security, being more aware of what’s happening around them,” explained Chief Kelly.
The presentation is intended to give participants information on how to make their church safer, particularly during times of worship. The emphasis of the presentation will be on how to recognize danger signs and how to protect attendees that are gathered for worship.
Letters recently went out to local churches with an invitation to clergy, deacons, elders, other church officials, lay leaders, and others who have an interest in how to keep their churches safe.
According to Steve Morris, Mayor of Rockingham, “Detective Gillenwater has put a lot of time and study into this and has spoken with many law enforcement agencies across the state… to develop the material for this event.
“There are some things that require no cost that could be very important to the churches as we look at safety,” Morris continued.
The letter noted that while Rockingham has been spared from attacks, it is wise to prepare for such possibilities. Good forethought and preparation, according to the letter, could prevent or reduce the effects of such an event as well as save lives.
“Just because we are in Richmond County doesn’t mean those things can’t happen here,” Chief Kelly noted. “The biggest key is people talking about it versus just ignoring it and moving on with their daily routine”.
As well as the sanctuary of churches, it is important to recognize the need for protecting those in other areas of the church and in other buildings in some cases. The program will cover the fact that children’s programs at times are held in areas away from the main worship area and there are special considerations that should be given to them.
“We need to ensure they are safe where they are as well as those in the sanctuary,” said Morris.
He noted that First Baptist started a security program about two years ago and focused heavily on adding security for the children during worship service.
There will be a question and answer period following the presentation to allow participants to get answers to questions. There is no charge for the event, no reservations are required and church leaders are encouraged to attend and invite others.
