Obama leads funeral for Charleston victim in stirring rendition of Amazing Grace

WATCH ABOVE: President Barack Obama leads the service in a rendition of Amazing Grace during his eulogy for Rev. Clementa Pinckney. 

President Barack Obama ended his passionate eulogy for Rev. Clementa Pinckney Friday by leading the congregation in a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace.

Obama’s eulogy included a passionate lecture on race and gun control while reflecting on the meaning of ‘grace’ which he said was personified by Rev. Clementa Pinckney and his congregation.

He ended his eulogy however by leading the congregation gathered for the funeral in a long rendition of the abolitionist hymn Amazing Grace before the choir and organist joined in, while he listed the names of Pinckney and the eight others who were killed during a bible study in Charleston, South Carolina last week.

Slain along with Pinckney were Cynthia Hurd, 54; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Sharonda Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Susie Jackson, 87; the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; and DePayne Doctor, 49.

Pinckney came from a long line of preachers and protestors who worked to expand civil rights across the southern United States, Obama said.

“What a life Clementa Pinckney lived!” Obama said to a chorus of applause.

“What an example he set. What a model for his faith. And then to lose him at 41. Slain in his sanctuary with eight wonderful members of his flock.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "What a life Clementa Pinckney lived!" Obama said to a chorus of applause.</p><p>"What an example he set. What a model for his faith. And then to lose him at 41. Slain in his sanctuary with eight wonderful members of his flock."

Thousands of mourners gathered to hear Obama’s eulogy which capped a week of goodbyes after the slayings inside the Emanuel African Methodist Church.