In Judaism, holidays begin the night before, at sundown. In the spirit of that custom, The Church of Our Savior, an Episcopal congregation in Martinez, started its Easter celebration Saturday night.
"It's a little bit of a throwback to the Jewish custom," the Rev. Lou Scales said. "There are some churches who celebrate all the way from sundown to sunrise."
At Our Savior, about 50 congregants greeted each other as a trio of musicians played on the church steps. A bonfire was struck and the flame was used to light the Paschal candle. The candle is sometimes referred to as the Easter candle, and it symbolizes Jesus Christ's light and presence among his people.
As the sun set, the church prayed and a bell was rung. The congregation silently filed into the church for a service including a baptism and Easter blessing.
"The time to celebrate our risen Christ can never start too soon," the Rev. Scales said.
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