On a windy, but sunny, Good Friday Religious Holiday, The Eastern Alleghany Christian Ministerial Association sponsored their annual Good Friday pilgrimage, “The Way of the Cross,” from First Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, to Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge last Friday.
Rev. Carl “Shorty” Wolfe, pastor, Loving Life Ministries, welcomed the assembled group of walkers and offered up a prayer to begin the pilgrimage. Four young men, from Iron Gate Baptist Church’s youth group, then picked up a wooden cross and led the group of worshippers from Church St., to a left on B St., to a right on Main St., ending on the lawn of the CUMC.
Crossing onto the lawn, the group of walkers joined an assembled group. The cross was then planted, erected, and draped with a black cloth. Wolfe offered some remarks before inviting the group inside the church to enjoy the ending to the Holy Week Services. Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Baker, pastor, Main Street Missionary Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, provided the closing message. The Celebration Choir provided special music and CUMC provided the lunch.
Holy Week Services were held all week with a message, special music, and lunch provided by various churches. Other speakers for the week included: Wolfe, Rev. Grover Nicely, pastor Oak Grove Advent Christian Church, Millboro; Rev. Gene Ayers, pastor, Central Advent Christian Church, Clifton Forge; and Rev. David Hanks, pastor, Iron Gate Baptist Church, Iron Gate. Special music was also provided by Michelle Wright; Billy and Betsy Peck; Joanne Hayslett, and Robin Powell. Musicians for the week included: Craig Hudson; Cathy Drummer; and Lynn Agee. Lunches were also provided by Loving Life Ministries, Central Advent Christian, Clifton Forge Presbyterian, and Main Street Baptist.