E-Edition

Go
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Home News

Community holds vigil in support of Madelyn Allen

Sanpete MessengerbySanpete Messenger
12/22/2021
Reading Time: 3 mins read

By Dyna Folkersen

                EPHRAIM— After a press conference Sunday afternoon that stated that missing Snow College student, Madelyn Allen, had been found alive, a crowd of approximately 50 people joined members of the Allen family in a “candlelight vigil of gratitude” for the formerly missing student later that evening.

Manti residents Tina and Tim Lafferty join the crowd of approximately 50 people in attendance at the vigil. Photo by Dyna Folkersen.

                Snow College President, Brad Cook, opened the vigil with a 60 second moment of silence, where attendees were asked to not only extend their gratitude that Allen had been found, but to think of somebody on a more personal level who may be going through a difficult time this Christmas season.

                After the moment of silence, singer and friend to Allen, Abby Huff, sang “Amazing Grace.”

                Huff, who is the daughter of Snow College choral department director Michael Huff, expressed gratitude that Maddie had been found and described Maddie as being part of their choir family.

                “Those who sing in an a cappella choir are family,” Abby said. “A member of our family was missing.”

                “We’re just so grateful she had been found,” Abby said.

Grandfather Rex Allen then addressed the crowd. He stated that the Allen Family will always be a part of the Badger Family and was even adorned with a bright orange Snow College hat.

                “With the odds highly against us, to receive this kind of outcome, we are extremely grateful,” Rex said.

                He stated that the family had received blessings of prayer, fasting and goodwill not only from residents of the State of Utah but from people from as far away as Europe and China.

                After another song from Abby— “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas”—Rex closed the candlelight service by asking the crowd to join him in singing the hymn “Silent Night.”

                Madelyn Allen, after five days of being missing, was found in a basement in Loa, approximately 90 miles south of Ephraim, where Brent Brown, 39, was holding her against her will in his coal room. Brown is facing charges of obstruction of justice, rape, object rape and kidnapping through the 6th District Court and is expected to be in court by the time of press.

Family, close friends, associates, Snow College personnel, law enforcement and residents all gather together to light candles and give thanks for Maddie’s safe return. Photo by Dyna Folkersen.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Tags: Ephraim
Previous Post

NSSD business administrator retires after 33 years

Next Post

Cliff Wheeler rounds out 10 years of Fairview leadership

Sanpete Messenger

Sanpete Messenger

Next Post

Cliff Wheeler rounds out 10 years of Fairview leadership

Bulldogs beat Merit, 61-14, then lose by one point to Altamont

About The Messenger

  • Staff/Contact Us

Links

  • Sanpete County Telephone Directory
  • Subscribe
  • E-Edition

Special Publications

  • Celebrating the Seasons Magazine
  • 2020 Election Guide
  • Home & Garden Guide
  • High School Sports Guides
  • 35 S. Main Street
    Manti, Utah 84642
  • (435) 835-NEWS
  • news@sanpetemessenger.com

© Copyright 2021 Sanpete Messenger| Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Gunnison Valley Gazette
Archive & Photo Galleries
Access The E-Edition