Hidden Hollow Chapel Brings 50th Sunrise Easter Service

The 50th anniversary Sunrise Easter Service at Hidden Hollow Chapel comes this Sunday.

Coordinator Larry Self has been a part of the ministry for 35 years. He said the man who created Cookeville’s Hidden Hollow Park started the service in 1972.

“Mr. Arda Lee that owned it, he had been around the midwestern states, and he’d seen where they had the big cross you can see from the interstate,” Self said. “He saw them and people would have sunrise services under them, so he brought it back to Tennessee when he moved back.”

Self said this year’s service will be in memory of Lee as well as Jack Hackett and Eldon Burgess. Self said the Easter service today stands on the shoulders of the group of friends and prominent Cookeville figures.

“We’re just excited to be a part of this 50th anniversary,” Self said.

Self said the service begins at 6:00 a.m. on the chapel on the hill at Hidden Hollow Road. Self said it is a powerful way to start out your Easter morning. Several speakers from local congregations will bring the message.

“Easter message is going to be brother Mark Gaw from Washington Avenue, and brother Gary Farris he leads the singing,” Self said. “Special music from Joyful Praises they’ve been with us for 17 years and pastor Steve Warren from Faith’s Chapel. Of course the owner also always gives a greeting, Vince Taylor.”