ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (BP) — Worship at The Wharf was rained out of its venue but not out of its spirit.

The Aug. 15 event to benefit those affected by the Gulf oil spill had been planned as an outdoor concert and worship time Aug. 15, but when a thunderstorm moved through the area it was moved to Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Ala.

More than 1,500 people of all ages packed the sanctuary of the church as event organizers managed to start the program in less than an hour later than its scheduled time. Sponsored by 54 area churches of various denominations, Worship at The Wharf grew out of a vision of several pastors and businessmen wanting to respond to the devastation and discouragement in the Gulf Coast.

Christian artists Big Daddy Weave, Lindell Cooley, Deluge, Alicia Williams Garcia, and Mark Harris participated in the concert-type worship time. Wrapping up the event was Ed Litton, pastor of First Baptist, North Mobile.