HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – For the first time since World War II, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fell on the same day.
A Carolina Forest church helped people mark the day and they didn’t even need to get out of their car.
Ash Wednesday services are typically held inside like at Christ United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach. Celebration Presbyterian Church in Carolina Forest decided to make its look more like a fast food restaurant.
Celebration Presbyterian Church put together a drive-thru to give out ashes.
“A lot more people will participate this way,” said Donna Woodard, a member of the church from Carolina Forest who received ashes in the drive-thru.
For centuries, many Christians have gotten ash placed on their foreheads as a sign of repenting for sins.
The church offered the drive-thru to help people on the go.
“One of our young leaders in the church, Cecilia Evans, had heard about this idea and said this is a great way to get outside the four walls of our church,” said Dr. Tom Dendy, the lead pastor of Celebration Presbyterian Church.
Church volunteers placed ash crosses on people in more than 30 cars and even a motorcycle.
“It’s not just a swipe and go,” Dr. Dendy said.
Each car load received a prayer, a pamphlet and some candy to celebrate valentine’s day, which falls on Ash Wednesday for the first time since 1945.
“Folks can, maybe on their way to a nice meal for Valentine’s Day, include this Ash Wednesday ritual in their date night.”
While the to-go option was easier, those receiving ashes say they still understand the meaning behind the tradition at the start of Lent.
“I feel a closeness with my lord and savior when I do this,” said Jesse Wallace, a church member from Conway who received ashes in the drive-thru.
Dr. Dendy also says another church in North Myrtle Beach gave out ashes to-go last year.
