Two-day wake for the prominent Irvington pastor started Thursday.
NEWARK -- Hundreds of people have attended visitation services in memory of the late Reverend Ron Christian over the past two days, which mourners say likely indicates that the popular pastor will draw large crowds for his funeral Saturday.
"It was really just throngs of people streaming in through the front door," Dwayne Warren, Christian's longtime friend, said of the two-day wake. "It was tremendous."
The first day of visitation, Thursday, was held at the Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, where "Rev. Ron" served as pastor since 2000. Friday's visitation was at Essex County Newark Tech, where Saturday's funeral will be held, as well. The school setting was chosen to handle what Warren said is expected to be "overflowing crowds" at the service.
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The beloved pastor was found dead in the Irvington church last week. He was 51. Christian became a pastor after a long struggle with drugs and a stint in prison. Authorities say foul play is not suspected in his death. A toxicology test will be performed before an official cause of death is determined, authorities said.
Many gathered at the church last Sunday to honor the pastor's life and work. Irvington mayor Tony Vauss called his death, "just shocking."
Warren said Christian's funeral will likely last four or more hours Saturday, to make sure all mourners will have the chance to take part, and to properly celebrate Christian's life.
"I think (the service will) lift people's spirits," he said. "There will be a lot of reflection (on his life)."
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
