Newark Church Where Whitney Houston Sang As A Child Mourns Her Death
PIX11 NEWSROOM

12:28 p.m. EST, February 12, 2012
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11)—
The Newark church where the late Whitney Houston sang as a child mourned her untimely death Sunday.

Parishioners gathered at the New Hope Baptist Church for regular Sunday services but the morning was overcome by grieving as well as remembering the impact Houston made not only on the music industry but the world.

Church pastor, Joe A. Carter spoke candidly about Houston and how her voice influenced several generations.

"We thank God for the gift of her unique voice. Others live to be 80 or 90 years old, but when they're gone they leave us nothing to remember," he said. "Whitney left us so many wonderful memories. We remember, we rejoice for that phenomenal one of a kind gift. Praise God for the gift."

The Reverend Jesse Jackson was among the notable figures on hand Sunday at the Newark church.

According to authorities, Houston, 48, was found dead Saturday in her fourth floor hotel room at the Beverly Hilton. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. Pacific time.

As the investigation continues, details surrounding her death weren't immediately known.

“There were no obvious signs of any criminal intent at this time,” Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen told a swarm of reporters who gathered outside the iconic hotel.