Rain Dampens Stone Mountain's Easter Sunrise Service

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Despite heavy rain, hundreds of worshippers gathered at the top of Stone Mountain in Georgia on Sunday morning for the park's 80th annual Easter sunrise service. The congregation huddled under ponchos and umbrellas to celebrate the holiday, undeterred by the inclement weather.

Why it matters

The Easter sunrise service at Stone Mountain is a longstanding tradition that draws thousands of attendees each year. While the rainy conditions reduced the usual crowd size, the resilience of the congregants highlights the deep significance of the event for the local community.

The details

The annual Easter sunrise service atop Stone Mountain has been a tradition for 80 years. This year, the typical thousands-strong crowd was reduced to just hundreds as worshippers braved the heavy rain and wind to make their way up the mountain. Many attendees came prepared with rain ponchos and umbrellas to shield themselves from the downpour during the service.

• The 80th annual Easter sunrise service took place on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
• The service typically draws thousands of attendees each year.