Carrying the cross

Photos by Tom Rivers

Hal Goodwin, front, and Paul Wengrzyeki carry the cross on Main Street on Friday during the annual “Cross Walk” on Good Friday. Christians from several Medina churches joined in the event, which included the reading of Scripture and singing of hymns.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions, thinking about what our Lord went through,” Goodwin, a member of the Medina United Methodist Church, said after carrying the cross.

The Medina Area Association of Churches has been doing the “Cross Walk” for at least 20 years. They get together at noon every Good Friday, with Christians taking turns carrying the cross. The event begins at City Hall and includes several stops in the community, including Rotary Park, a gazebo by the canal and other prominent public locations.

Paul Wengrzyeki hopes passing motorists and onlookers took a moment to reflect on the meaning of Easter. Wengrzyeki, a member of First Baptist Church, has participated in the Cross Walk for several years.

“It gives me a sense of what Christ went through,” he said. “It’s a very meaningful experience.”

The Rev. Ray Noell, pastor of the United Methodist churches in Millville and Knowlesville, reads Scripture about Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, Christ’s crucifixion and his resurrection. Paul Wengrzyeki holds the cross while Noell speaks.

The cross is carried down East Center Street in Medina, part of the annual “Cross Walk” on Good Friday.