Attendees listen to the 78th – annual Easter Sunrise Service Sunday at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass. The cross stands at 111 feet and was completed in 1963. It overlooks the Shawnee National Forest and was repaired in 2013 for its 50th anniversary. Victoria Olsen, of Portland, Ore., said she is glad the service is outside, as a buiding should not define church.

JENNIFER GONZALEZ • DAILY EGYPTIAN

Larry and Gina Cometto, of Coulterville, share a kiss Sunday at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass during the 78th – annual Easter Sunrise Service. It was the couple’s first visit and said they planned the visit after their children moved from home. “We celebrated Easter with the families yesterday,” Larry said, “So we wanted to spend today together and it’s beautiful here.”

JENNIFER GONZALEZ • DAILY EGYPTIAN

Members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association listen to the Sunday service. The 22nd-annual Blessing of the Bikes is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at Bald Knob Cross of Peace when prayer groups will be held around motorcycles to bless their travels.

SARAH SCHNEIDER • DAILY EGYPTIAN

Marty Peters, of Murphysboro, bows his head in prayer Sunday during the 78th-annual Easter Sunrise Service at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass. Peters said he has attended the service for several years. “It’s my favorite place in the world,” he said.

LEWIS MARIEN • DAILY EGYPTIAN

Patricia Tucker, of Carbondale, listens to a recording of Elvis Presley’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Sunday before the Easter Service at Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass. Tucker said she and her late husband, who died two years ago, used to bring their three boys to the service every year. “It was our routine,” she said. Tucker said holidays are the hardest after losing her husband. “I’m still grieving his death,” she said. “But I can’t think of a better place to be on Easter.”

SARAH SCHNEIDER • DAILY EGYPTIAN

Faith, peace, hope and charity are the four words inscribed at the base of Bald Knob Cross of Peace.

SARAH SCHNEIDER • DAILY EGYPTIAN