Only sadness where a child played

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 16, 1963 (UPI) "Here place will never be filled in this home," said C.A. Wesley, referring almost with reverence to his 14-year-old daughter, killed with three other girls yesterday in a church explosion triggered by hate.

"She was our adopted daughter," said Wesley, principal of Lewis Elementary School. "Cynthia came to us when the was six years old."

"We played with her dog, 'Toots,' before we left for church," Wesley said. "She loved that dog. He's a cocker spaniel. He hasn't begun to miss her yet.

"But he will," Wesley added with infinite sadness.

"Cynthia wore a white dress this morning because she was to have been an usher in the church service.

"She was a happy child, an extremely good mixer. She enjoyed people and animals.

"We just haven't accepted her death yet. She was such a happy child. She never complained, never pouted."

Mrs. Mabel Murphy, a church member who knew all of the victims, found it difficult to talk about the tragedy.

"They were all in the same Sunday school class," she sobbed. "The lesson was on forgiveness. It was the story of Joseph and how he forgave his brothers. I just can't talk about it now."

"Words are just inadequate to..." Her voice trailed off.