Churches Prepare for Visitors on the Eclipse Path

Episcopal churches and camps located along the eclipse path of totality on April 8, 2024 are gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors eager to witness the rare celestial event. The total solar eclipse will cross North America along a narrow 115-mile wide eclipse path, entering through Mexico and exiting near Canada. Over 30 million Americans live within this path, guaranteeing huge crowds.

“We’re excited to open our doors and share this experience with the community,” said Reverend T.J. Tetzlaff of St. Michael’s Church in Noblesville, Indiana, which lies directly on the path. “It’s not every day that a total solar eclipse passes over your head. We want as many people as possible to safely enjoy the views.”

Preparations in Full Swing

With less than 6 months to go, locations on the path are busy with preparations. Camp Capers in Texas expects around 250 visitors to its “EclipseFest” event featuring live music, food trucks and hiking trails. “People are traveling from across the country to experience totality from our eclipse path location,” said Director Johnson Jeffers.

Sheldon Calvary Camp in Ohio is providing meals, entertainment and educational talks for its path celebration. “This will more than double our local population that day. Food will be scarce, so we aim to fulfill all needs,” said Director Timothy Green.

“We’re all about relationships and relationship building. This rare eclipse path event is bringing people together from all walks of life,” said Jeffers.

Churches are welcoming visitors seeking spiritual perspectives on the eclipse. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Put-in-Bay, Ohio will host a quiet, reflective viewing on their path location with prayers and sermons relating the eclipse to biblical themes. Truly this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse path will bring people of all backgrounds together to witness the awe-inspiring powers of the cosmos.