Sir David Amess died doing what he loved most and meeting his constituents, parishioners heard at a vigil in his honour tonight.
Father Jeff Woolnough, who called Sir David 'Mr Southend', described the MP as a 'fine gentleman and a knight of the realm' who was much loved by all members of the community.
Many of those gathered at the vigil at St Peter's Catholic Church were in tears as the priest paid tribute to Sir David.
The popular politician - who won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes - was knifed 'multiple times' in front of shocked onlookers this afternoon.
A 25-year-old man is currently in police custody.
Father Jeff Woolnough lead a vigil in memory of Sir David Amess this evening hours after the popular MP was stabbed to death while holding a surgery for his constituents this afternoon
Dozens of mourners attended the vigil with many in tears as the service got underway in Leigh
The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when it happened just at 12.05pm.
Paramedics worked to save the politician on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour but he could not be saved after the appalling attack, which has left the stalwart MP's local community in shock.
Born in east London, the 69-year-old had been Southend West MP since 1997 - and was a keen advocate of the town's bid for city status.
The service at Saint Peter's Church in Eastwood Lane, close to where Sir David was killed, was held on Friday evening to remember him.
The church fell silent as Father Woolnaugh paid tribute to the Conservative MP and invited his constituents to remember him.
He placed a photograph of Sir David at the front of the church, and said: 'This liturgy is one I was not expecting to lead today.
Pictured: Sir David Amess won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes
Tributes have been left at the scene of Belfairs Methodist Church where the attack happened
'The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David.
'Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was that happy smile.
'He carried that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they're at. Not all politicians, I would say, are good at that.'
Around 80 people attended the service and listened as Father Woolnough recounted his own memories of Sir David.
He said: 'When you can speak to your MP and you can talk and get on like a house on fire, that's when you can talk to them later about things that are important to your area.
'What can we say? He died doing the thing he loved, meeting his constituents, his local people.'
Constituents of murdered MP David Amess attend a vigil at Catholic Church Saint Peter
