CHICAGO (WLS) — Downtown Chicago was alive with early morning Easter festivities on Sunday.

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As the sun rose, Daley Plaza played host to the 19th annual Easter Sunrise Service, a cherished tradition in the city.

The celebrations kicked off on Holy Thursday with the erection of a towering 15-foot cross at Daley Plaza.

Annually, various groups have taken on the sponsorship of what is known as Cross on the Plaza, in the days leading up to Easter.

This year’s Easter message was delivered by Pastor Juan Carlos Callan from New Life Albany Park.

The service, welcoming people of all faiths, drew hundreds of participants who gathered to pray and contemplate the significance of Easter Sunday.

Service began at 6:30 a.m.

Chicago’s Historic Fourth Presbyterian Church hosted three worship services on Sunday.

A sunrise service kicked off Easter Sunday at Oak Street Beach led by clergy of Fourth Presbyterian Church.

At 9:30 a.m. a musical and joyful celebration will begin at the sanctuary, located at 126 E. Chestnut Street with processions and congregants filling Michigan Avenue.

Rev. Dr. Camille Cook Howe will mark her first Easter as senior pastor at fourth presbyterian.

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