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Obamas attend local church on Easter Sunday

By the CNN Wire Staff
President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha attended the Easter service at Shiloh Baptist Church.
President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha attended the Easter service at Shiloh Baptist Church.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • First family went to service at the Shiloh Baptist Church
  • Church is one of the city's oldest African-American congregations
  • The Obamas left after spending two hours at the service

Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama and his family attended the Easter Sunday service at Shiloh Baptist Church, which was founded by freed slaves in 1863.

The first family entered the church to a standing ovation, then joined in singing with the choir, backed by a live band that included a guitar, keyboard and drums.

Rev. Wallace Charles Smith welcomed the Obamas, noting the congregants pray for them every Sunday.

At collection time, Obama and his daughters gave money in envelopes provided at their seats. The first family left after two hours, as the service approached its conclusion.

The president and his family have attended services occasionally since moving to the White House in January 2009. Last Easter, the Obamas worshipped at a Methodist church.