MOUNT ALBION - Community members are hoping a funeral service held for a newborn found dead outside of a church here will now provide some closure.
While many questions still surround the death of "Baby Albion," which is the RCMP name for the unidentified infant, more than 100 people gathered at The Birch Hill Free Church of Scotland Saturday morning to grieve.
The baby was found wrapped in a blanket on the church grounds on April 12, close to where a burial took place following Saturday's funeral.
Pastor Peter Aiken, who led the service, focused on the value of human life.
He said it is not defined by length or a list of accomplishments.
"We are valuable in God's sight because he has made us and we are commissioned with the purpose of reflecting his greatness," said Aiken, whose service also carried a theme of "not being alone."
He said that while Baby Albion was physically alone before being found, in a higher sense the baby was also with God
He also reached out to the baby's mother several times throughout the service, a woman for whom RCMP are still searching.
"I think Baby Albion's mother is someone who appears to be alone at this time, someone who is carrying a lot of burdens herself," said Aiken. "We wanted to speak to her and be able to tell her she's not alone and be able to give her hope."
That was how many in the church felt on Saturday.
While the baby's identity was unknown, many left the service in tears.
RELATED: Searching for answers to Albion baby mystery
Mary MacLean, director of Birthright P.E.I., said she hoped the outreach shown by the community may ultimately help others.
"The circumstances around this baby may not be known, but we wish that every mother who might be in a similar situation would know there is help in the community," said MacLean, whose group provides assistance to pregnant mothers needing information and encouragement.
"There are people who would reach out and give them as much help as they need without judging any circumstances."
During an interview after the funeral, Aiken said the event has been hard on the community and the service provided a chance to grieve.
"Hopefully, there is going to be some closure today," he said.
Pastor Stephen Plouffe, who preaches at the church for half of the year, said finding answers hasn't been easy and wasn't surprised that many in the community had turned to faith.
"Faith is where you find the bedrock that supports a community," he said.
A visitation also took place before the funeral.
The arrangements were provided by Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home and Heritage Memorial.
The funeral also saw a large presence of RCMP, who are still investigating the death.
Media relations officer, Sgt. Leanne Butler, said RCMP will provide further updates, but that police were not talking about the investigation on Saturday.
"Today we're going to give the baby respect and give a final closure to the baby," said Butler. "The members are very invested in this case, many have their own children so how could you not care.
"That's why we participated in the funeral and we're working very hard on the matter, but hoping today puts some final rest to Baby Albion."
MOUNT ALBION - Community members are hoping a funeral service held for a newborn found dead outside of a church here will now provide some closure.
While many questions still surround the death of "Baby Albion," which is the RCMP name for the unidentified infant, more than 100 people gathered at The Birch Hill Free Church of Scotland Saturday morning to grieve.
The baby was found wrapped in a blanket on the church grounds on April 12, close to where a burial took place following Saturday's funeral.
Pastor Peter Aiken, who led the service, focused on the value of human life.
He said it is not defined by length or a list of accomplishments.
"We are valuable in God's sight because he has made us and we are commissioned with the purpose of reflecting his greatness," said Aiken, whose service also carried a theme of "not being alone."
He said that while Baby Albion was physically alone before being found, in a higher sense the baby was also with God
He also reached out to the baby's mother several times throughout the service, a woman for whom RCMP are still searching.
"I think Baby Albion's mother is someone who appears to be alone at this time, someone who is carrying a lot of burdens herself," said Aiken. "We wanted to speak to her and be able to tell her she's not alone and be able to give her hope."
That was how many in the church felt on Saturday.
While the baby's identity was unknown, many left the service in tears.
RELATED: Searching for answers to Albion baby mystery
Mary MacLean, director of Birthright P.E.I., said she hoped the outreach shown by the community may ultimately help others.
"The circumstances around this baby may not be known, but we wish that every mother who might be in a similar situation would know there is help in the community," said MacLean, whose group provides assistance to pregnant mothers needing information and encouragement.
"There are people who would reach out and give them as much help as they need without judging any circumstances."
During an interview after the funeral, Aiken said the event has been hard on the community and the service provided a chance to grieve.
"Hopefully, there is going to be some closure today," he said.
Pastor Stephen Plouffe, who preaches at the church for half of the year, said finding answers hasn't been easy and wasn't surprised that many in the community had turned to faith.
"Faith is where you find the bedrock that supports a community," he said.
A visitation also took place before the funeral.
The arrangements were provided by Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home and Heritage Memorial.
The funeral also saw a large presence of RCMP, who are still investigating the death.
Media relations officer, Sgt. Leanne Butler, said RCMP will provide further updates, but that police were not talking about the investigation on Saturday.
"Today we're going to give the baby respect and give a final closure to the baby," said Butler. "The members are very invested in this case, many have their own children so how could you not care.
"That's why we participated in the funeral and we're working very hard on the matter, but hoping today puts some final rest to Baby Albion."
