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 ---
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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 ---
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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 ---
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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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