Copperas Cove churches preparing to welcome visitors for eclipse

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

Several Copperas Cove churches are preparing to roll out the proverbial red carpet and welcome visitors coming to the city to view the total solar eclipse on April 8. 
First Baptist Church, which is home to one of the city’s landmark buildings, is opening its parking facilities for both day parking and overnight camping, starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, with departure by 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 9. 
The cost to park and camp overnight is $30. 
This also includes a Sunday night outdoor movie, green play space, portable toilets and sinks, phone charging station, and light dinner.
Tent spaces are approximately 15 by 30 feet and are located on a field. Vehicle parking is next to the field. RV spots are dry camping and on a paved parking lot.
The church is located at 300 W. Avenue B and is but a 20-minute walk from City Park where there will be concerts, speakers, and vendors for the Spring into the Eclipse Festival.
More information can be found along with reservation forms at https://www.fbccove.net/solar-eclipse. 
Another historical site in the area, Immanuel Lutheran Church, is offering its own unique eclipse viewing experience. 
The church is located north of the city limits, at 922 Lutheran Church Rd., and is holding its own festival on Monday, April 8, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 
The church building itself is nestled at the foot of a hill, where large cross is located. The cross was built of stones hauled up the hillside and has been there since 1939.
On the day of the eclipse, they are offering rides up the hill where visitors can view the eclipse at the site of the cross. 
Parking for the event is a requested $5 donation. The church is offering glow-in-the-dark eclipse shirts, a bake sale with galaxy goodies, face painting and more. There will also be vendors on site. More information can be found at https://ilcincove.my-free.website/. 
First Presbyterian Church of Copperas Cove is also offering parking spots for $20, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. The church is located at 704 MLK Jr. Dr. 
The church will use funds raised to go toward its mission project, The Blessings Home Orphanage in Pakistan, which cares for 30 children, ages 4-3 years. The church as a goal to raise $900. The church has a green play space, indoor restrooms, and will be serving hotdogs, chips, water, sodas.
Little Caesars and Domino’s Pizza are located across the street from the church, and Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Applebee’s are within easy walking distance, less than ½-mile from the church, and Walmart is just over ½-mile away. 
Space reservations may be made at https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=ZHEMWWE5KSN2S.