From left, Dr. David McNabb, Gene Pike, Stephen Pike, Kay Self and Steve Burchard
Plans are being made for the annual Easter Sunrise Service Sunday, April 9, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens on Highway 153 in Hixson.
The event is sponsored by Chattanooga Funeral Homes and begins at 7:30 a.m. near the Three Crosses in the cemetery. In case of rain the service will move to the nearby north chapel.
Chattanooga Funeral Home President Gene Pike said, “Easter Sunday morning Christians celebrate the Risen Savior and everyone is invited to come and participate.”
This year’s speaker is Teen Challenge Executive Director Dr. David McNabb. Dr. McNabb said his message isn’t new, “The Personal call of the Resurrection.”
Dr. McNabb said, “The Easter Sunrise Service is a nostalgic thing for a lot of folks. There’s something about being out before sunrise having the disciple experience. It’s usually quiet about sunrise before everything gets going; it’s the perfect time for the message of the Gospel to sink in.”
Stephen Pike, Chattanooga Funeral Home Vice President said Kenan Markum will provide inspirational music and lite refreshments will be available. Mr. Pike invites everyone to the sunrise service experience.
Mr. Pike said there will be doves released, symbolizing love, peace and hope for the future.
The first Sunrise Service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens was held in 1953 and has been an annual event except the COVID year.