About 1,000 Gainesville residents packed into the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for Easter celebrations Sunday morning.
During the 11 a.m. mass, led by Spirit of Faith Christian Center, churchgoers danced, cheered and sang to celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
In a separate room within the center, about 200 children learned about the holiday through bible study and face painting, said service leader Luther Alfred.
The children participated in a candy giveaway as well as a safety lesson with local firefighters.
Children point out Easter eggs as they wait to begin the festivities at Abundant Grace Community Church’s second annual Easter egg hunt Saturday.