Community Gathers for 10th Annual Easter Dawn Service in Morgan Park

Clergy from diverse local churches unite residents in faith and celebration

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:35pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of people gathered in a park at dawn, with warm pools of light and color surrounding the silhouettes of the crowd, conceptually representing the community coming together for a religious celebration.The annual Easter Dawn Service in Morgan Park brings the Glen Cove community together in a meaningful celebration of faith and unity.Glen Cove Today

Despite overcast skies, Morgan Park in Glen Cove, New York once again became a gathering place for the community as residents came together, both in person and via Facebook Live, for the 10th Annual Glen Cove Community Easter Dawn Service. The bilingual (English/Spanish) service featured prayer, scripture, and music, with clergy from several local churches participating throughout.

Why it matters

The Easter Dawn Service is an annual tradition that brings together the diverse faith communities of Glen Cove, offering a meaningful expression of unity and shared belief across cultures. The event highlights the strength of the local community and its commitment to coming together for important religious and community celebrations.

The details

The service opened with 'Amazing Grace' performed by bagpiper Robert Lynch at the base of a 17-foot-tall cross overlooking Hempstead Harbor. Clergy from churches including St. Josaphat's Monastery, Iglesia Apóstoles y Profetas Emanuel, First Baptist Church, Calvary A.M.E. Church, Iglesia Ciudad Casa de Dios Internacional, and more participated in the service through prayers, scripture readings, and delivering the Easter message.

  • The 10th Annual Glen Cove Community Easter Dawn Service took place on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2026.
  • The service has been held annually at 7 a.m. in Morgan Park on Easter Sunday.

The players

Robert Lynch

A bagpiper who performed 'Amazing Grace' to open the Easter Dawn Service.

Fr. Philip Sandrick

A clergy member from St. Josaphat's Monastery who shared the Easter message.

Pastor Cristino Fuentes

The pastor of Iglesia Apóstoles y Profetas Emanuel, who participated in the service for the first time this year.

Rev. Roger C. Williams

The pastor of First Baptist Church, a longtime participant in the Easter Dawn Service.

Pastor Tommy Lanham

The pastor of Glen Cove Christian Church who delivered the Opening Prayer remotely.

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What they’re saying

“It's beautiful to see so many different cultures, languages, and faith traditions coming together to celebrate the one thing we all have in common—the resurrected Christ. I really do love seeing this kind of diversity and unity in our community.”

— Donna Brady, Guitarist, Shelter Rock Church

“Easter reminds us that hope is alive and present among us, and gatherings like this show the strength of a community united in faith.”

— Rev. Roger C. Williams, Pastor, First Baptist Church

“It is an honor to take part in this service for the first time and to stand together with the community in faith.”

— Pastor Cristino Fuentes, Pastor, Iglesia Apóstoles y Profetas Emanuel

The takeaway

The annual Easter Dawn Service in Morgan Park demonstrates the power of community and shared faith to bring together people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. This longstanding tradition highlights Glen Cove's commitment to inclusivity, unity, and celebrating the religious and cultural diversity that strengthens the local community.