The Easter Sunrise Service presented by Providence No. 2 Baptist Church has been cancelled for this year.

Church Pastor Glenn Bonds said the service was cancelled due to delays in construction of a new site for the service. The delays were partially caused by recent inclement weather.

The live musical and drama has been held annually since 1981, with the exception of one cancellation in the mid-’90s and a postponement several years ago. It is normally held on Easter morning and is attended by people across Central Alabama. Between 50 and 100 cast members participate each year.

“Our people are especially sad that we’re not doing it this year because, by this time of year, we are working on it real hard,” Bonds said.

But next year should see a triumphant return for the Easter Sunrise Service, as the new site should be completed by October. The site is located adjacent to the church, across the road from the former site. It will include a stage area supplied with power, all new props, and more room for the audience as well as cast members.

“It has a nice amphitheater look to it, so we went in and terraced that area,” Bonds said. “It’s going to be a much larger area, and it’s going to be excellent for the Sunrise Service.”

The church still welcomes everyone to its Easter Sunday worship service, which will begin at 10:45 a.m. The service will include a musical program presented by the church’s choir.

Providence No. 2 is located at 6197 County Road 97, just off County Road 28 outside Clanton.