Rocky Creek Baptist Church of Lucedale will host a unique Easter Sunrise Service at a new event venue called Creekside Place.
Cammie and Stance Byrd have opened the venue along the banks of Brushy Creek in northeastern George County. The 17-acre site provides a peaceful setting any time of day; the backdrop of the sun shining from the east across the water is perfect for honoring the day Christ arose from the tomb.
The service starts at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 9. All are invited to attend. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Rocky Creek pastor Dr. Paul Brashier will deliver the message. Music minister Ashton Waltman will lead the singing. The Byrds are members of Rocky Creek Baptist.
Cammie, and a multitude of other George Countians, grew up swimming in the cool waters of Brushy Creek. It’s also rumored that the rural spot was popular for “parking” among local teenage boys and girls for smooching and small talk while they were dating. The property was once owned by International Paper Company, and locals were allowed free use of the creek. The tract has also been owned by members of the Lloyd Eubanks family. Bruce Byrd owned it for a while and sold it to Cammie and Stance a few years ago.
Creekside Place offers several options for event settings. Loblolly pine, live oaks, water oaks, dwarf palmettos, and mountain laurel dot the landscape. Weddings have occurred beneath its picturesque oaks along the edge of the “Big Swim Hole” as well as in the nearby enclosed “barn.” The “barn” is for neither hay nor horses. It’s actually a beautiful and stately structure whose walls are painted medallion white satin with trimmings and eaves painted charcoal. Large concrete patios adorn the front and rear of the building giving options for outdoor gatherings. Walkways underneath tree canopies provide stunning entranceways for brides and their escorts. Two sets of tall antique Egyptian double-doors flank each end of the facility providing easy access for multitudes to simultaneously enter and exit the building. The inside seats 125 guests and has two restrooms and a full-size kitchen. Tables and 200 classy white chairs are available for use. A third backdrop for events is being built next to another swim hole not yet named. The new covered, open-air scene can accommodate 200 guests.
Any of Creekside Place’s multiple scenes are suited for weddings, receptions, birthday parties, office parties or family reunions. A large parking area for automobiles is being developed behind a tree line to keep the charm of the property’s natural beauty visible to guests at all times. Future plans include a lounging suite for brides and their entourages to dress and a few cabins for overnight visitors.
Brushy Creek begins in Greene County near the Pisgah Community. It flows southward into George County. Scarborough Creek and Tennessee Creek add to its flow. At Brushy Creek Road the stream becomes large enough to paddle. From there it runs southeastward, crosses into Alabama and flows into the Escatawpa River (Dog River). While the sounds of the gentle trickle of creek water add appeal to the venue, that same creek also serves as an artesian water source for the buildings onsite. The water is filtered to reduce the iron content and is pumped to the Byrd’s home and to various scenes of the venue.
And this coming Sunday that running creek will be the backdrop for a special sunrise service.
