But Ernie Stallworth, a senior conciliation specialist for the Southeastern regional office, said he will continue to work hand in hand with Augusta human relations officials to bridge the city's racial divide.

''Right now, the country is going through a pretty emotional piece,'' Mr. Stallworth said. ''It won't stop us from still providing the assistance to Augusta.''

Augusta's continuing efforts to end racial discord proceeded as planned Thursday with a service recognizing National Race Unity Day. But in light of this week's attacks, the program had added meaning for clergy, politicians and concerned community members who have been working since midsummer to identify and reduce racial strife in the city.

Augusta Mayor Bob Young bows his head in prayer as he and others pray for racial unity and for the victims of the tragedies in Washington and New York City. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

''Not only do we have issues of race and diversity that we need to address in Augusta, but the terrorist attack has shown us that we have similar issues, on a greater scale, elsewhere in our world community,'' said Mayor Bob Young.

The program was planned weeks ago and held at Beulah Grove Baptist Church.

The service was planned after a July 18 luncheon on race relations at which representatives from the Department of Justice's Community Relations Service announced they would start assessing racial problems in the city. By compiling information, Justice Department officials said they would work to root out the sources of conflict and create specialized crisis management techniques for the community.

Local human relations commissioners have since formed a committee of about 60 to look at race issues. This week's attacks, however, have encouraged them to broaden efforts to encompass tolerance and acceptance of all races, religions and creeds.

''We're going to get away from it being a black-and-white issue,'' said Kent Spruill, chairman of the Human Relations Commission. ''We're going to focus on all humans.''

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215.