For four decades the denominational walls of church congregations have been erased during the week leading up to Easter in Brewton — a tradition that continues again this year.
Holy Week services are scheduled for the noon hour every day this week beginning with a Monday service at St. Maurice Catholic Church.
Organizing the services with area pastors, the Rev. Jack Fitts, pastor at First Baptist Church of Brewton, has been busy working out a schedule to offer the citizens of the area.
“It’s a great feeling to see the congregations of five churches come together with each other to share during this special time,” Fitts said. “This has been a tradition for the city since the late 1970s. It’s a wonderful tradition.”
Fitts said the services are planned for noon each day to provide convenience for those who wish to be a part of the Holy Week events.
“The host pastor usually gives a greeting and there may be some special music,” Fitts said. “The message will last for about 25 or 30 minutes and a light lunch will be served.”
The lunches, which are provided by the host church, is one of the highlights of the daily gatherings, Fitts said.
“Having lunch with members of other congregations is a wonderful time of fellowship for everyone,” Fitts said. “The host churches do a great job with the meal. I relish the opportunity to spend time with friends in the community.”
Fitts said donations received during the luncheon portion of the services are also a benefit to the community as well.
“Typically, we get a dollar or two from those who join us for lunch,” Fitts said. “Those contributions go to the Benevolence Fund for the city and it helps a great day. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy being with each other at church and to help the community at the same time.”
Fitts said the services give worshipers a chance to enjoy a service with friends who may attend services at another church.
“Every congregation has a different way of doing things,” Fitts said. “By coming together with people from other denominations, everyone is exposed to a different way of worshiping. It’s a wonderful thing to see people from several churches come together for the same purpose.”
The Monday service at St. Maurice Catholic Church will feature a message from the Rev. John Mathieu, pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Tuesday’s services will be held at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jack Fits, pastor of First Baptist Church of Brewton, bringing the message.
The Rev. Ed Glaize, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will deliver the Wednesday message at First Baptist Church of Brewton.
St. Stephens Episcopal Church will be the host church for Thursday’s services with the Father Adrian Cook, pastor at St. Maurice Catholic Church bringing the message.
The week of services will end with the Friday message delivered by the Rev. Rob Dixon, pastor of St. Stephens Episcopal Church at First United Methodist Church.
First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church are all located on Belleville Avenue. St. Maurice Catholic Church is located on East Jackson Street behind O’Reily’s Auto Parts. St.Stephens Episcopal Church is located on Escambia Avenue.
The services will begin promptly at noon each day, Fitts said. All services, including the luncheon served each day, are free and open to the public.