Staff Writer

It was in 1621 at Plymouth, which is now in Massachusetts, the New World’s founding fathers invited members of the Wampanoag tribe to a three-day feast as an expression of gratitude.

That offering of thanks for help during the previous year has become what Americans celebrate on the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.

But, tonight, citizens of Pike County will have the chance to join faiths as they offer thanks to God during community-wide Thanksgiving service.

At 6:30 p.m., Hephzibah Baptist Church at 2701 Henderson Highway, will be the site of the annual community Thanksgiving service sponsored by the Troy Area Ministerial Association.

That service will feature the Rev. John Brannon, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Troy, as speaker. Tim Sims of Hephzibah Baptist Church will lead the music while Lyra Crapps, organist, and Carol Spurlock, pianist, accompany.

In Brundidge, worshipers will gather at 7 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church on Main Street, to celebrate the holiday and offer thanks to God.

For years, churches in the Brundidge community have joined for the ecumenical service.

The Rev. Richard Holmes, pastor of Brundidge United Methodist Church, will be the featured speaker. Nancy Krug will lead the music portion of the service.