Easter morning service to be held at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

On Easter morning at 7 a.m., the community is invited to the village (Appomattox Court House National Historical Park) where the reconciliation between the north and south began. Analogous to that event is the celebration of the resurrection which reconciles sinners with God.

Originating in the village in 1867, the Appomattox Court House Presbyterian Church (ACHPC) serves as host for an ecumenical Sunrise Service held by the Appomattox Ministerial Association to which everyone is invited. The service began in the 1990s at the instigation of the Rev. Wes Williams with the assistance of retired NHP Superintendent Jon Montgomery and ACHPC music director, Thomas Terry. As the years passed, the service has involved additional churches to become a full community effort.

ACHPC applies annually for a permit to hold the service and works with the park during this process. Through the years, several locations within the park have been utilized with the front steps of the Clover Hill Tavern serving as the current location. There is some seating available on the tavern porch, and attendees are welcomed to bring additional chairs. Communion will be served with both juice and wine options. This joint community service is a witness to the power of the Easter event in bringing together Christians from different traditions within our community.

This is also in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.