A large crowd filled the parking lot at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ to show support for the victims of Sunday's deadly shooting.
A candlelight vigil brought together church members, neighbors, city leaders and pastors from neighboring churches.
Many in the crowd were still coming to terms with Sunday's tragedy.
"You hear about violence, but you don't expect it to happen so close to home," said Aundraya Wynne, who lives in Hermitage, but attended the vigil. "It's important for these people to see they have support."
The crowd gathered just feet from where Emanuel Samson opened fire Sunday as the regular church service was getting out. Melanie Crow Smith, 39, from Smyrna was killed, and seven others were injured.
In addition to remembering Smith as a loving mother, the crowd prayed for minister Joey Spann and his wife Peggy who are still hospitalized after the shooting. They also praised church user Caleb Engle as a hero and said his brave actions saved lives.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry addressed the crowd, and called for the community to unite in a show of support.
"We are here to lift them up, " said Mayor Barry. "To let them know they are surrounded by a community who loves them."
Several pastors from nearby churches attended the vigil and said they were shocked when they heard the news of the shooting.
"It could have been your church," said Jamie Carver, Minister at Jefferson Pike Church of Christ. "These are our brothers and sisters. We want them to know we are behind them."
A memorial of flowers continues to grow outside the door of the church. The church building remains closed as the investigation into the shooting continues.
