Attendees brave chilly conditions to pack Upper Street, worship together
Chilly weather didn’t stop the sound of preaching and singing from ringing out on Upper Street on Wednesday, May 3 during the second annual Downtown Worship organized by L&L Furniture.
The first event, held in June 2022, featured hot summer weather. Attendees traded in their shorts and shades for jackets and boots for the second event, which saw temperatures dip into the 40s once the sun disappeared behind the Upper Street buildings.
Still, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the night, said L&L owner Walton Shepherd.
“Even with the cold weather, the warmth of love from our community for God and each other was evident and inspiring,” he said.
The event featured guest speakers, live praise music, activities for kids, hot concessions and fellowship. Operation Christmas Child of Spruce Pine First Baptist and 106.9 The Light radio station both had booths set up. Gideons were also present.
Western Carolina Church preacher Andy Willis opened the event with prayer for local leaders before Daniel Whetstine, a preacher at Rebels Creek Baptist Church and a veteran, paid tribute to veterans.
Eddie Williams, local Veterans Services officer, presented the U.S. flag during the anthem, which was performed by Wendy Ellis, a member of Western Carolina Church. Paul Gradus, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, then played Taps.
Spruce Pine Mayor Darla Harding then recognized retiring local police chief Bill Summerlin. Monica Kritz followed by talking about the National Day of Prayer.
Pastors Blake Glenn, Nathan Silvers (Grassy Creek Baptist), Rem Austin (Pleasant Hill Baptist) and Keith Black (Little Rock Creek Baptist) all took the stage to share the gospel throughout the evening. Live music was provided by Western Carolina Church, Awaken, Grove and After Glow (Gouges Creek Baptist).
Throughout the evening, Fun Time Inflatables Concessions, Claudia’s Tacos, CJ’s BBQ, Pelicans SnoBalls, Sips Soda and Fier it Up sold beverages, treats and hot eats. Fun Time Inflatables. also provided bounce houses for the kids.
The festivities closed with children singing “Jesus Loves Me” before attendees trekked back to their vehicles.
Shepherd thanked the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, the Spruce Pine Town Council, Spruce Pine Main Street and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for approving the event. The Town of Spruce Pine provided trash pickup, police presence and blocked Upper Street for the evening.
Marshall Huffman coordinated sound and equipment. Travis Phillips of the Town of Spruce Pine moved the stage.
Shepherd said he’s excited to see how the event grows.
“Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this another successful event,” Shepherd said. “It’s all about Jesus. We can’t wait to come together again next year.”