Christians in Medina carry cross in annual Good Friday tradition

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Curt Strickland, front, and Lang Lilley carry the cross today in an annual Good Friday tradition for the Medina Area Association of Churches. They are pictured in the parking lot for the First Baptist Church.

About 40 people participated in the “Pilgrimage to Golgotha,” taking turns carrying the cross, while local pastors read Scriptures and shared reflections on the solemn day. Despite the cold temperatures in the low to mid 30s, the group was bigger than in recent years.

Michael Stephenson (second from left), pastor of the First Baptist Church in Medina, reads from Scripture during today’s Cross Walk in downtown Medina.

Paul Wengrzycki, a member of the First Baptist Church in Medina, carries the cross in the alley between the Presbyterian Church and KeyBank.

Wengrzycki has been part of the Good Friday tradition in Medina for about 15 years. He said carrying the cross “is a small sacrifice to remember why Jesus died.”

Paul Wengrzycki and his wife Cheryl carry the cross through the alley that leads to Main Street.

Ron Sumption, left, reads a Scripture passage in front of the Presbyterian Church where he serves as pastor. Paul Briggs is holding the “Jesus” sign.