Hope Rising: A Local Guide to Easter Services in the Golden Strip

The spring air in Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn is filled with more than just the scent of blooming azaleas this week. Local congregations are entering the final days of preparation for Easter Sunday, April 5. From sunrise gatherings to high-energy modern worship, the churches of the Golden Strip are offering a wide array of ways to celebrate.

Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time visitor looking for a place to reflect, here is your guide to Easter services right here in our backyard.

Simpsonville: High Energy and Multiple Options

Simpsonville remains a major hub for large-scale Easter celebrations, with several churches offering Saturday and Sunday options to manage the expected crowds.

• First Baptist Simpsonville (Upstate Church): As one of the largest congregations in the area, they are hosting multiple service times across their local campuses.

  • Simpsonville Campus: Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

  • Five Forks Campus: Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

  • Harrison Bridge Campus: Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

  • Note: Kids Worship (birth – 5th grade) is available at all services.

• Brookwood Church: Located on Bryson Drive, Brookwood is known for its modern, welcoming atmosphere.

  • Good Friday (April 3): 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

  • Easter Saturday (April 4): 6:00 p.m.

  • Easter Sunday (April 5): 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

  • Note: Their “Special Friends” ministry for those with disabilities is available at all services.

Mauldin: Tradition and Community Connection

Mauldin’s churches offer a blend of “vintage” and “modern” styles, often within the same building, ensuring there is a seat for every preference.

• Upstate Church Mauldin: Located at 509 S. Main St., they are offering two distinct styles on Easter morning.

  • 10:00 a.m.: Vintage Worship Service

  • 11:30 a.m.: Modern Worship Service

• Mauldin First Baptist: In addition to their traditional morning worship, they are keeping the momentum going for the younger generation with A Messy Easter for students (7th–12th grades) on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Room.

• New Harvest Ministries: Located at 308 New Neely Ferry Rd., this congregation will hold its Easter Sunday Service at 10:00 a.m., following their week of “Spiritual Instincts” teaching.

Fountain Inn: Small-Town Spirit, Big Celebrations

Fountain Inn’s Main Street corridor will be bustling as historic steeples and new church plants alike open their doors.

• Fountain Inn First Baptist: They are kicking off the weekend with a Good Friday Lunch on April 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Easter Sunday, they will host:

  • 10:00 a.m.: Modern Worship Service

  • 11:30 a.m.: Modern Worship Service

• Fountain Inn Presbyterian: Located on North Main, this historic congregation invites the community to their Easter morning worship following a week of Holy Week bulletins and preparation.

• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church: For those seeking a liturgical experience, the Easter Vigil will be held Saturday at 8:45 p.m., with four masses on Easter Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. in the church, and a 10:15 a.m. mass in the Family Life Center.

Planning for the Weekend

As Easter is the highest-attendance day of the year, local pastors recommend a few simple steps for a stress-free morning:

1. Parking: For larger sites like Brookwood or First Baptist Simpsonville, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early.

2. Childcare: Most local churches offer robust “Kids Worship” programs, but checking in your children for the first time can take a few extra minutes.

3. Online Options: If you are traveling or unable to attend in person, nearly all of these congregations—including Upstate Church and Brookwood—will be live-streaming their 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. services.

The Golden Strip is uniquely positioned with a church on nearly every corner, each ready to share a message of resurrection and new beginnings this Sunday morning.