Sunday service won't be in Hallam

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by nate jenkins

HALLAM - The Rev. Dan Davis envisioned weary townspeople praying alongside emergency workers and the congregations of two churches destroyed by a tornado.

Main Street, Hallam, was an obvious choice. Bonds that need to remain strong after the first wave of public support and adrenaline recedes would be rejuvenated.

Davis, pastor of the Hallam Congregational United Church of Christ, said he was told it probably would be allowed.

A reporter told him Thursday it would not.

"I'll be darned," Davis said.

"It would have been ideal to have it in town," he added. "It was important to say 'We're here together, and we'll be here together for the long haul.'"

Emergency officials decided Thursday that safety risks and other problems should take precedence.

A piece of paper hung on the boarded window of Saline State Bank, Hallam Branch: "A Unified Command decision was made to shut down the town for a day on Sunday, May 30th. This will give residents time for families and reflection of the past week."

Only residents will be allowed inside the perimeters on Sunday, said County Commissioner Larry Hudkins.

The decision by local and emergency officials was difficult, said Pat O'Brien, the incident commander. For a time, they considered allowing an exception for the service.

Sitting in a four-wheeler, O'Brien pointed out glass that still litters the streets. He also said an exception could present some prickly issues, such as ensuring that only Hallam residents, congregation members and emergency personnel came inside city limits for the service.

"We're going to live with that decision," O'Brien said. "It's got to be black and white - it's access or no access."

Residents will also not be allowed inside city limits for what was called a "mental health day."

"We've got a learning curve here," he said later. "And I don't want to say we're making it up as we go, but we're being flexible and trying to learn."

Davis said he understands the decision. Instead, the service jointly sponsored by his church and both the Martell and Hallam United Methodist Churches will be held Sunday in Martell.

A commemorative medallion emblazoned with the biblical text for the service will be given to each worshipper.

"They were all together in one place, and suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were," says the New Testament text.

Reach Nate Jenkins at 473-7223 or njenkins@;journalstar.com. Staff writer Bob Reeves contributed to this report.