Students and faculty remembered the victims of the Columbia space shuttle accident Feb. 6 in Davis Chapel.

Following a welcome delivered by university Chaplain Ed Christman, Campus Ministry students sophomore Whitney Loyd, sophomore Lauren Hemby, sophomore Jamie Dean and freshman Gregory Aikens led the congregation in praise and worship music.

"It was a great honor to participate in the service, especially in remembrance of such great Americans," Hemby said. "I was proud to be a part of it."

Christman continued with a reading of Psalm 23, explaining that all instances are guided by the Lord's hand.

Provost Emeritus Ed Wilson contributed to the service by reading an excerpt from Walt Whitman's "Passage to India."

"For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared to go, and we will risk the ship, ourselves and all," Wilson read. "O my brave soul! O farther farther sail! O daring joy, but safe! Are they not all the seas of God? O farther, farther, farther sail!"

Wilson, remarked on the application of Whitman's poem to the recent tragedy.

"The most striking aspect about this poem is that Whitman wrote it over 100 years before space travel existed," Wilson said. "His words, which seem to describe space travel, demonstrate his supreme creativity for his generation."

Tim Auman, United Methodist campus minister offered prayers for the victims of the Columbia tragedy.

Teresa Radomski, professor of music, sang "Abide with Me," while accompanied by JoAnne Inkman on the piano.

"'Abide With Me' expresses our need for God's comfort in the darkest times of our lives, and ultimately, at the hour of our death," Radomski said. "Although it is a simple hymn, 'Abide With Me' touches the heart and spirit, and it is a profound affirmation of faith and hope, regardless of one's religious denomination."

Becky Hartzog, associate chaplain and Baptist campus minister, provided a period of reflection, preaching a sermon, "As for Me and My House."

In her sermon, Hartzog addressed the difficult nature of following a particular course of action, opposed to merely stating one. She also reiterated the uncertainty of tomorrow and the importance of taking advantage of today's opportunities.

"The unexpected breakup of the Columbia, only minutes from completing the crew's mission, reminds us of how fragile life is and how plans are never guarantees," Hartzog said. "As we face an uncertain future, a very strong possibility of war, an awareness of poverty and social injustice throughout the world, recognition of the animosity which exists between people, groups and countries, how do we live out the promise?"

Campus Ministry Students led the congregation in singing "Amazing Grace" to conclude the service.

Freshman Ellen Parham said she found the service "enjoyable and moving, even though there weren't many people there. The message of 'As for me and my house' was very touching."