The Sunrise Service

In 1773, America's first Sunrise Service — an Easter Mass held early enough for congregants to witness the dawn's first rays together — was held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, organized by the Moravians — a church with its roots in the present-day Czech Republic. The service is held to mark the empty tomb that greeted Mary as dawn broke on Easter morning. Since then, such celebrations have been held in such diverse and scenic venues as the Hollywood Bowl (which celebrates its 88th service this year), the Lincoln Memorial and Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods.

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