2003 Year in Review

Annual "Cross Walk " Attracts Huge Turnout

Here, the cross is being carried past main street from the First Presbyterian Church en route to the Bretheran In Christ Church.

This is the middle of the line of nearly 80 people who participated.

Pastor Dan Swinson is shown leading the group in song at the Cemetery.

Rev. James Camp is shown here giving a sermon in front of the cross at the Cemetery.

As many of you may already know, every Good Friday The Morrison Ministers Council sponsors a “Cross Walk” which has been held at different churches every year for the past 6 years. Every year the cross is carried from church to church and finally to the Cemetery.

This year, the “Cross Walk” started at the First Presbyterian Church, where Rev. James Camp led the service and Rev. Dan Swinson presented a small sermon. From there, the crowd of about 80 people moved to the Bretheran In Christ Church, where Rev. Ken Abell led the fellowship and Rev. Chris Byrd presented a sermon. After they were done there, the crowd moved north to the Grove Hill Cemetery Pavilion. Rev. Julie Bunt and Rev. Dan Swinson led the music and invocation, and Rev. Jim Camp led the final sermon about what it was like to be hanging from the cross.

At each stop many famous songs were played such as “Go To Dark Gthsemane”, “Were You There?”, and “When I survey the Wondrous Cross”. Many of these are traditional Lenten songs and they brought tears to many peoples’ eyes.

Pastor Dan Swinson, of the United Methodist Church said that his favorite part of this event is that it gets people from many different churches together and it is one of a few church services held outside. He also commented that when they are gathered outside, it gives the group of people a chance to see what wondrous things God has done. In a public place, it is also good because such an event attracts many people who might not have experienced it otherwise. Heather McIlrath said that it has been a good experience for her and her children every year they have gone.

If you missed the Cross Walk, there will be Good Friday church services at many local churches, and Easter Sunday, many churches are hosting an early service, and then a regular service later. If you need more information on any churches, visit Thecity1’s Church Directory.

by Larry Gatz, theCity1.com
April 18, 2003