JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of people from five different churches gathered on the San Marco Square for the inaugural service on the square. The churches were Southside Baptist, Southside Karen Baptist, Hendricks Avenue Baptist, Southside Assembly of God, and South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church.
"It's certainly wonderful. The theme of course is Christ being risen from the dead and what a marvelous time to come together with people that aren't apart of our daily lives but part of our community to celebrate a common celebration," Ron Gilliard who attended the service said.
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"We had a joint Thanksgiving service last year and so we don't do this often enough.
But we rejoice when we can be in our own buildings and be together and be here in this beautiful space. We had a great time," Stephen Koldrup, Interim pastor of South Jacksonville Presbyterian, said.
At Assumption Catholic Church people also celebrated the day that followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.
"It's a time of renewal. Things that were old restoring yourself. having faith again and just becoming," said Ron Boyd who attended services.
"Easter is a rebirth for all of us," Father Frederick Parke of Assumption Catholic Church said. "That you and I can live forever. That there is life after life if we follow Christ. And that's what Easter is all about."
Father Parke says Easter is the greatest celebration of the church. He says although many get excited about Christmas, we wouldn't be celebrating Jesus' birth, if he hadn't risen from the dead.