Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison presents his proclamation declaring Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, as Back to Church Sunday in Tamaqua. With Morrison at Depot Square Park are Ron, Dorothy and Hunter Sassaman from St. John's UCC; Nate Gerace; Anjelica Vartuli; Pastor Rick Clemson of Primitive Methodist Church; Pastor Darryl Kensinger and Frankie of Trinity UCC; and Ben, Lisa and Sam Shafer of St. John's UCC. Back to Church Sunday is a national program to encourage people to come to church. Back to Church Sunday can be implemented year-round, but many churches choose to participate on National Back to Church Sunday, which is always the third Sunday in September. More than 31,000 churches around the world from 120 denominations have participated since Back to Church Sunday began in 2009. The Borough of Tamaqua has 14 active congregations. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO