Churches unite for

Churches unite for

Good Friday Service

By GREG TURNER

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

This is a busy time of the year if you happen to be Rev. Steve Scoggin or Rev. Jennings Hobson. Their respective churches, Washington Baptist Church and Trinity Episcopal Church, will unite to recreate the actual steps in the crucifixion of Christ based on scriptures, tradition and creative interpretation.

As described by Rev. Steve Scoggin, “It will be a very powerful thing.”

Known as the “Stations of the Cross,” it is basically a Roman Catholic tradition which is now being adopted by other denominations. According to Rev. Jennings Hobson, “It’s a two part thing, the first part is a visual demonstration and the second part is more of an emotional impact. There are 14 different stations along the way, starting with the soldiers’ quarters known as the Praetorium where Christ was condemned to death by Pilate, to Golgotha where the Roman crucifixion occurred.”

Each station is illustrated by the work of Diane Blevins who was given the outline describing each station. During the service the lights will be dimmed and each segment will be intensified with a spotlight. A combined choir will sing hymns throughout the service.

According to Rev. Steve Scoggin, “The uniting of the two churches brings about two things. It provides a more creative worship experience and an opportunity for the churches to combine resources and work together.”

According to Mr. Scoggin and Mr. Hobson, this joint service is on the breaking edge of the ecumenical movement. There is a loosely organized movement is this country to try to foster more cooperation among different denominations but this wasn’t practical because people have different worship practices. This is one rare instance where it could be used.

The service will be open to anyone wishing to attend. It will be held at the Washington Baptist Church on March 28, Good Friday, at 7:30 p.m.