First family attends Easter service at historic Virginia church

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — President Barack Obama and his family are attending Easter service at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, which traces its origins to when Thomas Jefferson was president.

Howard-John Wesley, the church's pastor, is telling the congregation that it's wonderful to welcome back the Obamas, "the gorgeous family" who visited the year before as well.

The congregation, led by a choir clad in red, gold and white robes, has joined in song early in the service, with the pastor asking them to share introductions, "but don't act crazy" as they exchanged hugs and handshakes.

The choir and audience are filled with smiles as they sway and clap to the music and sing the refrain "yes, He lives," a reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the event Christians celebrate on Easter.