Slain Pastor Remembered at Vigil

Arlington religious leaders lead prayer for pastor and his assistant

Several dozen people joined in prayer at NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington on Friday night, seeking comfort after Thursday's attack on a pastor and his assistant.

NorthPointe's pastor, the Rev. Clint Dobson, was killed inside the church, and his assisant, Judy Elliott, was severely beaten.

"I don't understand. I just don't understand why," said Elizabeth Hornick, who held the single candle in the crowd.

A newlywed not long out of seminary school, Dobson was killed in what police now say may have been a robbery.

"Such a good man -- he wanted to do good," Hornick said.

Elliot, a wife and grandmother, is still fighting for her life at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.

"Our heart is just breaking for the church, but I have hope that they can rise from this," Lisa Bonnet said.

Friday's prayer vigil was organized by the Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership, a group of religious leaders who work closely with the Arlington Police Department.

The Rev. Robert White of Cornerstone Baptist Church was among those who led the group in prayer.

"Even though we are experiencing a tragedy right now, we still believe your word and trust in you," he said.

Earlier in the day, church leaders described Dobson as a dynamic pastor who had big plans for the church he led.

"He was a fine young preacher, but he was a much better person and a great friend," said the Rev. Dr. Dennis Wiles, who is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington.

NorthPointe was a satellite campus of First Baptist.

Church members said earlier Friday that they were in shock.

"I loved Clint like he was my very own son," Lida Cummings said. "He was just such a delightful young man."

Police are still searching for the Elliott's missing car, a cream-colored, four-door Mitsubishi Galant with Texas license plate DFR-352.

Oak Farms Dairy is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Arlington police.


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