26 members of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs were killed in 2017 when a gunman opened fire.
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas — A historical marker was unveiled in Sutherland Springs today on the land where 26 people were shot and killed in 2017.
The church where they died was recently demolished but this marker is meant to preserve its memory.
A ceremony full of community members, church goers, survivors and family watched the unveiling of the marker which holds almost 100 years of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs history Saturday morning.
“This brings closure…it’s a way to kind of put to bed some loose ends that have been very difficult,” former judge Sara Canady said. “It gives voice to some of the survivors who needed to have a voice.”
As one of the first responders on the tragic day only seven years ago Canady joined survivors and her community in the unveiling.
“Evil did not win and God has prevailed,” church goer Ann Montgomery said.
Montgomery added that the marker is people don’t forget what happened on the land and how people overcame the tragedy.
RELATED: Crews begin demolishing Sutherland Springs church where gunman killed more than two dozen in 2017
It’s for survivors and people like Montgomery who said she should have been in church that day.
“Tt’s a great honor to those who sacrificed their lives for God here, they were family you know,” Montgomery said.
Now memories of the 26 people who lost their lives and those who walked through the doors since 1926 will be preserved.
After Montgomery, Canady and so many others fought for years to get this marker up…
“Nothing lasts forever but to be part of something that has lasted so long and to be part of something and preserve that history…it has been a great blessing,” Canady said.