The Foundation for Historic Christ Church, along with the Cobbs Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, invite the community to a public reading of the Declaration of Independence inside Historic Christ Church in Weems on Wednesday, July 3, at 4 p.m.

The free event will celebrate the 248th anniversary of the founding document with patriotic songs for the audience to sing, a brief history of the famous document, and a public reading performed by various members of the community, reported FHCC executive director Robert Teagle.

A group of volunteer readers will read the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the names of the 56 people who signed it. Teagle said local children who would like to participate can help read the names of these signers according to the colony each represented, which is the way they signed the document. Email Teagle at rteagle@christchurch1735.org if you would like to be a reader.

“We invite the community to join us for this patriotic celebration of one of our country’s founding documents,” Teagle said. “With its own rich history and superb acoustics, Christ Church is the perfect setting for this special event. Join us as we celebrate America and the enduring values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness enshrined in the Declaration.”

Copies of the Declaration and Constitution will be available for attendees to take home. For more information visit ChristChurch1735.org.