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A packed house attends a musical Easter program at the Natchez Senior Center on Wednesday.

Ida Brown attends Wednesday's Easter program at the Natchez Senior Center.

Senior citizens sing along during the musical Easter program at the Natchez Senior Center.

Sally Dawley, also known as the "Butt Lady of Auburn" for picking up poisonous cigarette butts in her hometown, enjoys Wednesday's Easter Program at the Natchez Senior Center.

Instant Impact Global Prep students attend the program and perform for seniors at the Natchez Senior Center.

Jessie Burns sings during the Easter Program at the Natchez Senior Center on Wednesday.

Earline Gaines wears her Sunday best at Wednesday's Easter program at the Natchez Senior Center.

Rev. Clifton Marvel delivers and Easter message and song at the Natchez Senior Center on Wednesday.

Ruby Cade recites an Easter poem at the Natchez Senior Center.

A packed house hears the Easter story delivered by Rev. Clifton Marvel.

NATCHEZ —A musical Easter program at the Natchez Senior Center on Wednesday reminded the senior citizens of Natchez the reason the holiday is celebrated.

While brightly colored eggs and spring flowers decorated the center, the message that attendees heard presenters speak and sing about was not about the Easter Bunny. Instead, it was about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“We have an Easter celebration around the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. We make it a social event based on the biblical meaning. Seniors come dressed in their Sunday best and many of them participate in the program. Today you’ll see them singing songs, speaking and just coming together to celebrate,” Deputy Director Carla Monroe said.

Krystal Skipper, the program chairperson, Monroe and other staffers at the senior center came together to decorate the center as they do for every holiday, some donating the decorations used. Wednesday’s program also included special guests, students from the Instant Impact Global Prep charter school.

They entertained attendees with a performance of “Oh Happy Day,” the version used in Sister Act 2 with Whoopie Goldberg. Jessie Burns also performed songs accompanied by Francis Stampley on the piano. Watch a video of the performances here.

Rev. Clifton Marvel gave an Easter message from the Bible and Ruby Cade presented a poetic version of the story. The gallery above includes scenes from the festivities.

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