DeKalb County

Thousands gathered for Easter services at Stone Mountain

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Thousands of worshippers made their way to the top of Stone Mountain for the annual Easter sunrise service.

The sunrise service at Stone Mountain is a tradition dating back more than 70 years.

"It's the experience of the people and lifting of the hearts that's really wonderful,” Susan Fowler with the Stone Mountain Sunrise Association said.

The event began in 1944, before the land around Stone Mountain was officially owned by the State of Georgia.

Lucille A. Lanford, from Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church, suggested that the church's youth group climb to the top of Stone Mountain on Easter morning to watch the sunrise.

The event grew from that one youth group to thousands ascending the mountain every Easter since.