Hundreds from churches across the city shouted and clapped hands, exchanged hugs and danced.

&#8220We agree, we all agree, Jesus is the one true God,” they sang Saturday night during a worship service at Vicksburg Convention Center.

&#8220Even though we have different worship styles, we do love each other,” said the Rev. Terry White of Bowmar Baptist Church on U.S. 61 South. &#8220And if you’re not from Bowmar or Travelers Rest, I especially want to thank you for being here.”

The service was part of a &#8220day of racial reconciliation” among Bowmar, Travelers Rest Baptist on Bowmar Avenue and other churches.

Six years ago White, Bowmar’s pastor, and the Rev. Thomas Benard, Travelers Rest’s pastor, became close while the two churches negotiated the sale of Bowmar’s former church building on Bowmar Avenue.

Since, worshipers from both churches have come together once a year to cross racial lines. Until this year, congregants have alternated the event at the historically white Bowmar and historically black Travelers Rest. It was moved to the convention center because the service has become so popular.

&#8220We knew it could be much bigger than that,” White said Saturday between praise songs.

Benard embraced White as the two shared memories of their six-year relationship.

&#8220I have really been touched by our relationship,” Benard said. &#8220God has blessed us tremendously. Somehow, racial reconciliation can happen.”

And the music began again as worshipers stood to their feet with a band and praise team, the lights dimmed.

&#8220Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance,” they sang. &#8220I just wanna praise you. I just wanna praise you.”

Worshipers met an hour before the service for dinner. And earlier in the day, members of several churches spent hours building picnic tables to donate.

&#8220Basically, this is a community project in which we’re building picnic tables to distribute throughout the community,” the Rev. Reggie Harris, pastor of Bright Morning Star, said. &#8220We’re putting Bible verses on the tables to show there’s unity among the churches.”

Thus, the theme of the entire day was &#8220Who’s at Your Table?” In one of the convention center’s exhibit halls, more than 50 tables were filled with blacks, whites and other races who ate together, sang together and prayed together.

Dolphus Weary, the CEO of Mission Mississippi, was the guest speaker.