Ilkeston - Easter
Walk Of Witness
w/e 11 April
2004
The Good Friday
Walk of Witness, organised by the Ilkeston Area Council of Churches
was blessed with fine weather once again this year. After assembling
in St Andrew's
Methodist Church for the introduction and welcome, the walk interspersed
at various places on
the way with hymns and dramatised readings proceeded up Bath Street
to the Market Place.
Most if not
all the local churches and denominations were represented but
walked as one in Christ.
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together.
--- Bob Gillman ---
|
On the steps
of The Roundhouse public house, a re-enactment of the trial of
Jesus was played out.
When I needed a neighbour were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour, were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter, were
you there?
--- Sydney Carter ---
|
As market
traders continued selling and people went about their daily business,
the procession continued in silence apart from a solitary drum
beat, behind the simple wooden cross.
"Take up thy Cross," the Saviour said, "if
thou wouldst my disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake, and humbly follow after me."
--- Charles W. Everest
---
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The dramatised reading of
the crucifixion took place in the Garden of Remembrance by St
Mary's Church where the steps substituted for Golgotha.
There is a green hill far away, outside a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified, who died to save us all.
--- Cecil Frances Alexander ---
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The walk concluded with an
address while the empty cross overlooked the Market Place. As
the people dispersed, many made their way to the United Reformed
Church on Wharncliffe Road where refreshments were being served,
to continue their Christian fellowship.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine a wondrous
beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon
and sanctify me.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross' till my trophies at last
I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day
for a crown.
--- George Bennard ---
|
That sorry cross of desperation
on Friday had by Sunday been replaced and transformed into one
of glory.
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory
died,
My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my
pride.
--- Isaac Watts ---
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