After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s tiniest house of worship will again hold an Easter Sunday sunrise service.

“Everyone is welcome” to come out April 17 for the 7 a.m. service, says Rick Meloen, as the Living Waters Wayside Chapel on the Niagara Parkway celebrates Easter, one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar.

The six-seat chapel, beside Walker’s Country Market at Line 1, was originally built by the Faith Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Niagara Falls as a place for travellers to stop for a rest and a brief meditation.

In the mid-1970s, sunrise services were started to celebrate Easter.  Prior to COVID, they continued every year, except one, when rain forced it to move into a nearby barn, Meloen said.

About 10,000 visitors stop by the tiny chapel annually, he said, and most sunrise services attract about 40 people.

Meloen, who will be involved with the service along with Pastor Brian Ross, noted it is a short affair that lasts about 20 minutes. It will include some readings and hymns, and a message delivered by Ross.