Easter Sunrise Service 2025

By Jacqueline Proctor

Last modified 2025-04-19 16:02:24. Initially published 2014-03-27 11:14:06.

A throng of early risers is expected atop San Francisco’s highest peak at the foot of America’s largest cross to celebrate the Bay Area’s grandest Easter morning tradition, the Mt. Davidson Easter Sunrise Service, which gets underway at 6:30 am on Sunday, April 20.

This year’s event marks the 102^th anniversary of the first Mt. Davidson Easter Sunrise Service in 1923. Admission is free.

Among the community and religious leaders scheduled to take part in the citywide non-denominational program include Rev. Rob Hall of New North Church, who will deliver an Easter message of hope and healing; Tim Svoboda of Tenderloin-based Youth With a Mission, who will offer a prayer for peace; program coordinator Rev. Jeff Mammen of New Life Church; and Rev. Mesrob Ash of Armenian Apostolic Church, who will offer greetings on behalf of the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California, which owns and maintains the Mt. Davidson Cross site.

Special musical performances include Lynne Miller of The House of Bagpipes starting the celebration with a rendition of “Amazing Grace” at dawn; The Salvation Army Brass Band accompanying the congregational singing throughout the service; and Principal David Greenbaum of St. Thomas More School leading a youth choir with students from St. Thomas More and the Donum Dei Classical Academy.

Situated at the summit of Mt. Davidson (elevation 938 ft.), the historic 103-foot-tall cross will be illuminated by spotlights throughout the evening of April 19, shining as a beacon for Easter morning pilgrims (Note: A great location shot is available at the corner of Robinhood Way and Lansdale Avenue on Saturday night).

Special bus service on Muni’s 36 line will begin at 5:30 a.m. and run every 15 minutes from Forest Hill Station to the park gate located at the intersection of Lansdale Avenue, Myra Drive and Dalewood Way – two blocks south of Portola Drive. Call (415) 673-MUNI for further transit information.

Sponsored by local churches and broadcast nationally in years past, the Easter Sunrise Service attendance record was set during World War II, with an estimated 50,000 worshippers in attendance. America’s largest cross was originally dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a transcontinental ceremony in 1934.

With the sun rising over the East Bay hills, Mt. Davidson Park’s beautiful forest setting serves as a spectacular backdrop for this cherished Easter event. Adding to the visual appeal of the panoramic view of SF Bay and the downtown skyline at dawn is the dazzling springtime array of wildflowers currently in bloom.