As part of a national initiative, the Chattanooga Community Kitchen held a service Friday to memorialize the 15 homeless men and women who have died so far this year in Hamilton County.
The service began with a bagpipe prelude followed by a prayer and reading of the names.
As each name was read, a candle was lit on an empty tray in the dining area, signifying the tray that person once ate from. A bell was then tolled for each of the names, and once more for those unknown.
Karen Blevins of the Homeless Coalition then performed a vocal rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”
The service ended with Barry Kidwell of Forrest Avenue United Methodist Church leading a prayer followed by a bagpipe postlude of “Amazing Grace.”
Following the service, a restaurant-style lunch was served to all in attendance. The candles remained lit throughout the service and meal.
The memorial service is held nationally each year on the winter solstice — the longest night of the year.