Way of the Cross walk set for April 16

By Staff
AT THE CROSS In this re-enactment from the 2002 Way of the Cross/Way of Peace, Matthew Deweese portrays Jesus on the cross, which is guarded by a Centurion, Hunter Satch. Deweese and Satch are members of Central United Methodist Church. Submitted photo
By Ida Brown / religion editor
March 8, 2003
For the second time in its six-year history, the annual Good Friday ecumenical walk Way of the Cross/Way of Peace will be impacted by current world events.
April 16 is the date for this year's walk, a re-enactment journey reminiscent of Jesus' way to the cross.
The event will begin at 11:15 a.m. and feature gathering songs by the St. John Missionary Baptist Church Choir; a welcome by the Rev. Elvin Sunds, pastor of St. Patrick and St. Joseph's Catholic churches; a performance by the Cornerstone Church Praise Dancers, with interpretation by the Rev. Clarence Tilghman; and an opening prayer at noon by the Rev. Jimmy Johnson of St John Missionary Baptist Church.
Since it's first year in 1997, the ecumenical witness of faith has drawn a diverse group black, white, young, old and members of a variety of faiths and made a lasting impression that has continued to grow each year.
Even a re-enactment in 2001, which was accompanied by rain, included more than 2,000 walkers. Participants are encouraged to carry church banners and wear T-shirts with their church logos.
The walk is a custom that began after Jesus' death. People visited places where Jesus had performed miracles and preached. As the stories were repeated, interest increased; however, distance made travel difficult.
People improvised by placing pictures of the holy places in churches as a reminder of their salvation. In the middle centuries, the Franciscan Order was given charge of preserving the holy places. The stations evolved.
Thirteen stations are scheduled for Meridian's downtown pilgrimage. The journey will begin at noon at the Lauderdale County Court House. Stations, locations and sponsors are as follows:
Jesus is condemned. Location: Lauderdale County Courthouse (west side). Sponsor: Catholic community of Meridian.
Jesus accepts his cross. Location: Lauderdale County Detention Center; Sponsor: The Rev. Dennis Marks and friends.
Jesus falls the first time. Location: Central United Methodist Church, 1004 23rd Ave. Sponsor: The Rev. Odell Hopkins and Friends, New Wine Ministries and the Rev. Terrence Roberts.
Jesus meets his mother. Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1116 23rd Ave. Sponsor: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
Simon helps Jesus carry the cross. Location: First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave. Sponsor: First Christian Church.
Jesus falls the second time. Location: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2614 13th St. Sponsor: Jubilee Mennonite Church.
Jesus speaks to the weeping women. Location: united Blood Services, 1115 25th Ave. Sponsor: Trinity Lutheran Church.
Jesus falls the third time. Location: Jubilee Mennonite Church, 812 28th Ave. Sponsor: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesus is stripped of his garments. Location: First Baptist Church, 701 26th Ave. Sponsor: First Baptist Church and Liturgical Dance Troupe.
Jesus is nailed to the cross: Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2601 Davis St. Sponsor: Poplar Springs Drive Church.
Jesus dies on the cross: Location: James F. Webb Funeral Home, 2514 Seventh St. Sponsor: St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesus is taken down from the cross. Location: Doughboy Monument, downtown (across from Trustmark Bank). Sponsor: St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Jesus is placed in the tomb. Location: Dumont City Park, corner of Fifth Street and 22nd Avenue. Sponsor: Central United Methodist Church.