The age-old tradition of holding watchnight service on New Year’s Eve will continue this year as some community members will bring in their new year at church.

The service, dates back many years ago, and has been done in Demopolis for some time now. It is a church service, traditionally done on New Year’s Eve, granting people the opportunity to bring in the new year during worship.

The service rotates every year and is set to take place at Christian Chapel Baptist Church at 10 p.m.

Deayrus Smith, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, said he attended the event for the first time last year and delivered the sermon.

“It was a great crowd and the spirit was high,” he said. “I think people should come out because what better place to be than in the service and start off the new year worshipping God.”

Smith also said the service gives people a chance to recommit in the new year.

The service is unique in the way it is a collaborative effort of churches around the area, which in turn brings together members of all the different congregations.

Songs will fill Christian Chapel Baptist Church in addition to a sermon brought by the Rev. Honoree Lockett of Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Demopolis.

Smith said he looks forward to the service and it grants time to fellowship with friends. “It is great to be among the different preachers and hear others preach,” he said. “We have a glorious time.”

A goal within the order of the service is to be done preaching around midnight so the congregation can bring in the new year with prayer, he said.