GATTMAN, Miss. (WTVA) -- At a small church known as Depriest Chapel Free Will Baptist, they did something that they've been doing for years now: a pre-Thanksgiving church service, bringing members together from six different churches across the area.
It is the time of year, said host and pastor Don Taggert, when residents should be reminded of just how thankful they should be, having the ability to get together and exercise their free will.
'Well, we've just got a lot to be thankful for," Taggert said. "I just know we've got a lot to be thankful for. I know it's easy to complain and so forth. But when you look around the world and see a lot of the different things that's going on around the world, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for here in America."
"I know it's been well over fifteen years this [event] has been going on," Pastor Glenn Hughes said to a packed church Sunday afternoon. "I know it's been that long. It started out with two preachers, two churches. The next thing you know, another one was added. And I think we're up to six now."
The families who gathered here to give thanks Sunday agree with Hughes.
"It's good for all the community to get together and serve God together," replied Arlene Adams of Sulligent, Ala.
"[We come here] to support the community and bring everybody together," said Kristie Cox of Hamilton, Miss.
From that standpoint, it was mission accomplished.
After the service was over, the visitors met at the community center in Gattman for a big Thanksgiving meal.