When a community first gathered in the open air last night to honour murder victim Frederick Goring, their prayers and thoughts were interrupted with shouts from youths across the street.

But when the service was over the numbers of mourners sick of violence in their midst had swelled to more than 100 and the din from the youths had been silenced.

The change was not lost on Rev. D. Randolph Wilson who said said: "When we came there were elements across the street.

"We have outlasted them. Now we are here and they have gone."

Fellow organiser Rev. Leonard Santucci of Heard Chapel AME said it was a good sign and it was possible to win over the wall sitters.

He said: "I have people in my church who were part of that group who are now contributing members of society. You win them over one by one."

Many in the crowd were elderly but had still made the rare effort to come out at night even though though they usually feared for their safety said Rev. Santucci.

"We are demonstrating here tonight that there are many of a like mind so people are beginning to appreciate they are not alone."

He stressed last night's gathering was just a start although it meant everything to Mr. Goring's adopted sister Gwendolyn, niece Ann Marie Goring and nephew Clarence Goring who had travelled from Canada for the funeral.

Gwendolyn Goring said: "It's very moving to see the community has come together to clean up the area and take it back. I hope the violence will stop."

The ceremony outside The Glebe Road Seventh Day Adventist Church was organised by four churches on Glebe Road including St. Monica's Mission, House of Prayer and Heard Chapel AME. And the cross denominational unity was echoed in the political realm.

Rev Santucci, the United Bermuda Party's candidate in the Pembroke East Central by- election, welcomed Progressive Labour Party whip Ottiwell Simmons who told the crowd: "I just want to say it's great to see something is being done to bring this community together."

The vigil was held just yards from the spot on the corner of Orchard Grove and Glebe Road where Mr. Goring was found suffering from injuries. He died on November 14 after two-and-a-half days on life support.

UBP leader Grant Gibbons said solidarity with the service was felt across the Island.

"Whether you live in Fairylands or St. Monica's Mission, we all share the same desire to have a neighbourhood safe for our children and ourselves. You have indicated you are not prepared to put up with it anymore."

Government by-election hopeful Ashfield DeVent said community action would help defeat a community problem.

He urged residents to do more to help the Police and to make the Police accountable to doing their job.

He said: "I am glad to see there was such a great turn out."

"Much of what we are facing is beyond people taking back the streets because of the possibility of confrontation with some very violent people. It's a job for the Police."

Rev. Santucci said the campaign to improve the community would continue on Saturday with a fun day in support of St. Monica's Road Social Action Committee. The day-long event will be held in Pig's Field in Band Room Lane and will feature food stalls and the Bermuda Regiment band.