Church members conduct prayer vigil outside 201 Poplar | Community Spirit

Bloomfield Baptist Church conducted a prayer vigil outside the Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar Saturday morning.

Participants wore red clothing and held signs that said "God So Loved."

According to the Tri-State Defender, the purpose of "Hands Around 201 Poplar" is to send a supportive message to the city and to pray for the community.

"We are doing this to declare a moratorium on crime for the month of February," the Rev. Ralph White told the Tri-State Defender.

"As people of faith, we are asking others who believe that prayer can make great changes to come join us to pray for the inmates, law enforcement personnel and the innocent throughout this city," he continued.

This is the second year the church held the vigil.