A new Good Friday tradition may begin in Stuart as local churches and residents prepare to take part in a community Cross Walk.
The Stuart Church of Living Water will host the event April 3 at 5:30 p.m., beginning at Truist Bank, in partnership with the Patrick County Ministerial Association and the community.
Pastor Tommy Shepherd said the event is the first of its kind locally and is intended to offer a time of reflection.
“The purpose of the event is to give us a solemn reminder of what Christ did by carrying the cross to the crucifixion, and give you time to meditate on that solemn event,” Shepherd said.
Participants will take turns carrying a wooden cross along a set route through town.
He explained that those participating in the event will carry a cross to a designated location, “just like Jesus did. Well, within reason. We’re not going to scourge them before they carry it,” he said.
The cross measures about 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide and weighs roughly 120 pounds, Shepherd said. About half a dozen people have already signed up to carry it, including Shepherd.
Others are invited to join in.
“Show up at the parking lot and we’ll take turns carrying it. If you feel like you can carry it 100 steps, you carry it 100 steps. If you can’t, you stop whenever you need it,” Shepherd said.
The person carrying the cross will lead the group, passing it off periodically as the walk progresses.
“When they get so many steps they’ll stop, and then the person behind them will take the cross and go a little bit further,” he said.
The walk will begin at Truist Bank, continue along Blue Ridge Street, turn right at Moody’s Funeral Home onto Wood Brothers Drive, and end at the first ballfield at DeHart Park.
A short service featuring music and scripture will follow, led by the Patrick County High School Praise Band.
“We’re hoping to do it in the grassy area below the ballfield,” Shepherd said, adding the walk is expected to take about 20 to 25 minutes.
The idea for the event came from church member Bill Clark, who attended a similar event last year in Florida with his wife, Mary.
“I found it to be a moving experience to carry the cross and think about what Christ did 2,000 years ago. It certainly brings the perspective of Christ’s carrying it uphill to a mountain versus us carrying it downhill to a park,” Clark said.
Clark shared the idea with Shepherd and later with the church’s Council of Ministries. Shepherd then brought it to the Patrick County Ministerial Association, where other churches expressed interest.
“Everyone is welcome,” Clark said.
Organizers are hoping for a strong turnout.
“We’re hoping it will be a big turnout,” Shepherd said, adding he expects 100 or more participants.
Shepherd also said he hopes the chimes at Stuart Baptist Church will ring during the walk.
The chiming, which he described as “bong, bong,” played during the walk “represents Christ going to his death.”
If the event is well received, organizers plan to make it an annual tradition.
To participate as a walker or cross bearer, or for more information, call Shepherd at (276) 694-3323 or (434) 203-0575.
