Sunday service held at Rocky Mount Church after two parishioners killed in car crash
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- The pastor of Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount preached to his congregation Sunday, just 48 hours after his son and two others were killed in a fiery car crash.
Senior Pastor James Gailliard found strength through faith and a church full of supporters, not missing his usual Sunday service at Word Tabernacle.
"I'm not preaching today to prove how strong I am!" Gailliard told his congregation. "I'm not preaching here today to win no prizes! Let me tell you why I'm preaching, not because I'm a pastor, but because I'm a Christian!"
Gailliard's oldest son Kyol Allen was killed in the car crash Friday. He was just 27 years old.
"I never thought that the last time I hugged my son, looked in his face and had a brief conversation with him that I would never get a chance to talk to him again," Gailliard said.
Gailliard's son was at the wheel with two friends in the car, who were also in their 20s: Dennis Battle and Jason Britt.
Police say they lost control in the rain, and crashed into a brick building on South Grace Street. The car burst into flames, killing all three.
Pastor Gailliard said his son's passion in life was being an audio engineer, which he did in his father's churches since he was 14 years old to help make sure people heard the message and the music. That was something so important to him that his father had to be in church Sunday carrying on that passion, and showing his congregation the importance of making every day count.
"I encourage people love on their family members, take every opportunity today because they may not have that tomorrow," Gailliard said.
The accident is under investigation, although some believe weather may have played a role. The other two men were also musicians and played at Word Tabernacle as well as other churches. We're told their fathers are also preachers in the community.
