Star-Journbal Editor
der, rape, and aggravated kidnapping.
In the midst of tragedy, Grant spoke at the "celebration of life" for the popular member of the college dance team, which was attended by nearly 2,000 people.
"God gave Jodi the innate ability to dance," Grant was quoted as saying. "I think, for Jodi, dance was life."
Hillsboro is the 10th pastoral appointment for Grant, who was born and raised in Wichita. He is a graduate of Southwestern College in Winfield and Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Charles and Judy were married in 1971 while Charles attended seminary.
In addition to Arkansas City, Grant also has led churches in Alton, Hanover, Barnes, Washington, Kinsley, Bucklin, Ford, and Larned.
The Grants have two sons, Jeremy, his wife Lauren and their two children of Edwardsville, and Eric, of Columbia, Md.
Grant replaces Pastor Nancy Douglas, who is moving to the Chicago area to pursue a doctorate in ministry.
In Arkansas City Monday, prosecutors will announce at an arraignment whether they will be seeking the death penalty against Thurber. As the trial unfolds in the months ahead, Pastor Grant plans to be there.
"I'm going back down for at least some of the trial because I feel a need to be there for the family, and my own self," he said.
