The Oneida Interfaith Council’s Easter Sunrise Service was held on Easter morning, April 20, at Malad City Park just as the sun came through the clouds at 7:30 a.m. Even though the weather was chilly, many people came to the Pavilion to celebrate Easter with this event that brings the community together.  

The Sunrise Service had its beginning in the late 1800s when the Malad Presbyterian Church started holding the program either on Two-Mile Road or at the Malad City Cemetery.  Since 2012 the Oneida Interfaith Council has presented the Sunrise Service, involving members of all churches in Malad Valley.

Toni Werk, the Interfaith Council Moderator and member of the Presbyterian Church leadership council, welcomed attendees and led the opening prayer. Art Martinez, Deacon of St. Paul’s Catholic Mission Church, gave scripture readings and reminded listeners that there are three holy days leading to Easter morning. Jack Harwell, Pastor of Victory Baptist Church, read scriptures about the importance of Easter. Brandon Ward, 2nd Counselor in the Malad Stake Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, read scriptures that told of those who went quickly to the empty tomb, reminding listeners that they should go as quickly to follow Christ.

The program featured several musical numbers. After a violin solo introduction by Danielle Pettis, a youth choir from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-Kingdom of God sang a medley of “I Know My Redeemer Lives” and “Redeemer of Israel,” accompanied by Amanda Nielsen.  Emily Christiansen and Carrie Ann Jensen sang “How Great Thou Art,” and a trio of Maryann Nielsen, Ida Beagley, and Lily Ofschewski, accompanied by Taylor Smith on guitar, sang “For Those Tears I Died.” Congregational hymns were led by Seth Goeckeritz, accompanied by Taylor Smith.

Telling the story of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and His subsequent death and resurrection was Richard Nielsen, Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-Kingdom of God. He reminded listeners that Christ voluntarily gave His life so that all of us may live.

The program ended with Brian Jeppsen of the Interfaith Council providing closing remarks and prayer and inviting everyone to breakfast at Victory Baptist Church.