They wore eye-popping hats of white, black, pink and red, and clothes to match at one of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s biggest events of the year.

Rev. Chris Brathwaite said 125 people from churches around the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida and beyond were part of a grand display of color and style on April 15, when St. Mark’s Church in Haines City hosted its seventh annual Easter Afternoon of Elegance with a Parade of Hats event in the new Brathwaite Hall.

“The ‘Hats on to the Ladies 2017’ was nothing short of spectacular,” said Brathwaite. “The Brathwaite Hall was superbly decorated in gold and blue, and the people were dressed for the occasion. The theme this year was ‘Parade of Hats,’ and, indeed, the ladies showcased their elegant hats with class and style.”

Most of the attendees came from St. Mark’s, but others came from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winter Haven, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee, Church of the Ascension in Orlando, Church of St. Luke & St. Peter in St. Cloud, St. Mary of the Angels Church in Orlando, Gladtidings House of Prayer in Poinciana, and Park View Christian Center in Haines City.

Attendees sat at tables beautifully set with cups and saucers for the afternoon tea party, which was organized and set up by Cynthia Bailey. “Here at St. Mark’s, we are blessed to have a world-class events decorator,” said Genevieve Brathwaite, the wife of Rev. Chris. “Cynthia Bailey can make a workshop into a fine tearoom in a few hours. She is gifted, talented and makes normal into extraordinary. We thank God for her, and we are sure other churches in the diocese can use her talents.”

Attendees also listened to special guest speaker, Minister Pamela Dulan, and vocalist Coreen Herry. “Nothing topped the speaker,” Rev. Brathwaite said. “She was spiritual, hilarious, had a great sense of humor and a wonderful voice for singing. She brought people to tears of laughter.”

The “Parade of Hats” is one of five events the Brathwaites have started since coming to St. Mark’s from the U.S. Virgin Islands nearly a decade ago. They were looking for ways to revitalize the congregation in Haines City and to offer something more than just Sunday church services.

The other events include a red and white Valentine Ball, a rector Mother’s Day luncheon that honors women from the congregation, the End of Summer Barbecue on the last Sunday in August, and a church anniversary celebration.

The Parade of Hats, however, has been the church’s signature event, and that trend continued this year with a contest and prizes for best hats. Winners were Beninga Nurse, first place; Charmaine Thomas, second place; and Esther Mary Magdalene Davis, third place.

“The event was fabulous,” Rev. Brathwaite said. “People were filled with the power of the Easter Spirit, with good food and good laughter.”

For more information on other events and worship services at St. Mark’s, call 863-422-1416.