Back in the late 1980s, several members of the local clergy got the idea to hold a noon service in a different church every weekday during Holy Week. It’s a tradition that has endured through the years, enabling Christians to experience
churches, pastors and fellowship with congregations other than their own. All the services were short so that people could attend during a workday. A 1987 flyer lists the pastors and churches involved: Rev. Mann Valentine, St.
Stephen’s Episcopal; Father Michael McGuiness, St. Maurice Catholic Church; Rev. Lawson Bryan, Brewton First Methodist; Rev. Robert Oates, First Presbyterian; and Rev. Terry Rhodes, North Brewton Baptist. The pastors also did a “pulpit swap” with each conducting a service at a church other than their own.
Services were followed by lunch (the flyer asked for a one dollar donation.)

Rev. Chris Patterson of Brewton First Methodist says the tradition is one that unites the religious community. “Churches may worship in varying ways and they may have different beliefs, but for one week the whole of Christendom agrees that
Jesus reveals himself as one who forgives, dies and rises again.” Father Patrick Madden of St. Maurice Catholic Church added, “The Holy Week tradition is one of the best qualities of our community.” Revered Carrie Wright of St. Stephen’s
Episcopal says the tradition is one enabling Christians to remember the great sacrifice of Jesus. “Throughout Holy Week, we are able to enter into the historical events of the passion and we can move with Christ through his last days.”