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The First Congregational Church of Greenwich has celebrated Easter for more than 60 years with a unique sunrise service at Greenwich Point that is open to the whole community.
Traditionally Christians have always held Easter sunrise services, said Dr. David D. Young, senior pastor at the church. At Greenwich Point, to see the sun rise over the water is just spectacular.
A stained-glass window in the church dated 1951 depicts youths in blue robes carrying a large cross for the sunrise service, a practice that continues today. At noon on Good Friday, teen members of the church carry crosses from the church, at 108 Sound Beach Ave., to Greenwich Point for Sundays service.
The service always starts 15 to 30 minutes before sunrise and then we actually see the sun rise over the Long Island Sound and the sun coming up behind the cross is really beautiful, said Young.
Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, traditionally held on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. According to Canonical Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion Good Friday.
Last year, nearly 300 people attended, and Young said its a highlight of the year for many. The service is open to the community, he said. Its just a great opportunity to celebrate Easter, and this church ahs always been a community church. Even if people not members, they can be part of various aspects of the churchs life.
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