Nearly 200 gather for downtown cross walk on Good Friday

Nearly 200 Christians of all denominations gathered on a cloudy Good Friday afternoon to walk the two-mile Stations of the Cross in downtown Cape Girardeau.

The crowd gathered at the courtyard gazebo of the Common Pleas Courthouse on Lorimier Street before making their way to the 14 stations, which combined community and biblical themes. Various pastors and community and organization leaders led prayers and sometimes songs at each station.

One of the early stops was in front of Discovery Playhouse on Broadway. The prayer was led by Kristy Mehner, executive director for Hope Children's Home in Jackson, and focused on caring for children.

"We as a community have a responsibility to care for children, especially those in need," Mehner said. "I'm honored to lead this prayer."

Other prayer leaders of the community included Southeast Hospice chaplain Stan Hargis and city manager Scott Meyer, who led the prayer in front of city hall.

From station to station, different groups stepped forward to carry a large wooden cross. Families, friends and church groups lifted the cross onto their shoulders as a physical reminder of the "reason for the season."

"It's a privilege to get this opportunity," said Barbara Hess, after she and Carol Glueck carried the cross down Broadway to the Cape Girardeau police station.

"We're not enduring the same pain as Christ when he carried the cross, but we're doing our best to follow in his footsteps," Hess said.

Glueck, who has been participating in the annual event for seven years, said it is always a joy to see such a great gathering.

"We're all one in doing this, in sharing this," she said. "Which is really what this weekend is all about."

Due to weather concerns, event organizers expected to see a much lower turnout, said John McGowan, CEO of Love In the Name of Christ of Southeast Missouri and member of the Downtown Council of Churches.

"We average about 200 people each year, but we certainly weren't expecting to see that many today," McGowan said. "It's great to see another fabulous witness and shared worship across so many denominations."

McGowan said he hopes to continue to see this level of involvement in the event's future and encourages anyone in the community to become involved.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Themis St. and N. Lorimier St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.