Easter at Bald Knob Cross of Peace during COVID-19

Jacob Wiegand

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Worshipers flock to Bald Knob Cross of Peace most years for the annual Easter sunrise service, but not during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there were a few people at the cross, located in Alto Pass, Illinois, to conduct the service and share it with the masses. Teresa Gilbert, executive director of Bald Knob Cross of Peace, said the experience was “very different” than normal. Gilbert said WSIL-TV live streamed and broadcast the service. "It's just been an amazing experience watching everybody pull together," Gilbert said. "Not one of us could have done it by ourselves."

Victoria Bittle, 17, of Cobden, Illinois, rings a bell at the beginning of the Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, Illinois. Teresa Gilbert, executive director of Bald Knob Cross of Peace, said it's a tradition to start the service by ringing the old church bell. Worshipers flock to the cross most years for the annual service, but not during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there were a few people at the cross to conduct the service and share it with the masses. Gilbert said WSIL-TV live streamed and broadcast the service. "It's just been an amazing experience watching everybody pull together," Gilbert said. "Not one of us could have done it by ourselves." (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)
The Rev. Steve McKeown, pastor emeritus at Christian Life Church in Herrin, Illinois, speaks during the Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, Illinois. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)
The Rev. Steve McKeown, pastor emeritus at Christian Life Church in Herrin, Illinois, speaks during the Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, Illinois. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)
Deborah Johnson, a board member for Bald Knob Cross of Peace, speaks during the Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, Illinois. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Bald Knob Cross of Peace is seen during a broadcast of the Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Alto Pass, Illinois. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)