Easter Sunrise Services are once again being planned for Hamilton Memorial Gardens and Chattanooga Memorial Park, Sunday, March 31.
Chattanooga Funeral Home Vice President Stephen Pike said both services will start at 7:30 a.m. with hot chocolate, coffee and pastries and messages of HOPE for this season.
Historians believe the Sunrise Service at Chattanooga Memorial Park is the oldest in Hamilton County. According to church records, Northside Presbyterian started the gathering at the White Oak Cemetery in 1891. Special music is planned and Pastor Dr. Paul Raider will present the message of the Resurrection and God’s love in observance of this most important date on the calendar. Dr. Rader said regardless of denomination, everyone is invited to this celebration by the duck pond at the cemetery entrance on Memorial Drive.
Mr. Pike said, “Easter Sunday morning Christians celebrate the Risen Savior and our funeral homes are proud to participate in this tradition. The service at peaceful Hamilton Memorial Gardens on Highway 153 is appropriately held near the Three Crosses. In case of rain the service will move to the nearby north chapel. The services seem especially meaningful for those families who have lost relatives or friends in recent years.”
Teen Challenge Executive Director Dr. David McNabb will present the Resurrection message with special music by Dr. Fred Guilbert. Dr. McNabb said, “There’s something nostalgic about being out at sunrise having the disciple’s experience. The message is simple, the tomb is empty and our Savior lives.”
Mr. Pike said services usually last about 35 minutes and everyone is invited regardless of a person’s church affiliation. There is plenty of parking at both locations.