Honoring Christ — In remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, many area Christians will participate in a Friday walk, walking a 5-foot-long walk from North Fourth Street in Steubenville to Springdale Avenue in Wintersville. The cross was carried. They are among the Christians around the world who celebrate Easter Sunday. — Warren Scott
STEUBENVILLE — More than 100 area residents set out on a nearly seven-mile trek from downtown Steubenville to Wintersville on Friday to remember the spiritual meaning of Easter.
Some carried 5-foot-long wooden crosses to remind them of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of the holiday, and stopped to rest at Grace Lutheran Church and Starkdale Presbyterian Church. He then headed toward Springdale Avenue and Crossroads. Christian church.
Participants began at the Sycamore Youth Center on North Fourth Street, where they gathered for worship songs and prayers.
There, Chad Thompson of Faith Community Church in Bergholz reflected on the origins of Crosswalk, now in its 16th year.
Mr. Thompson said his wife, Amanda, noticed the divisions between various Christian denominations, and despite their differences, “We are united in Jesus Christ.”
“It’s a time when uniformity is a little more likely to be displayed.” He noted that Christians share a common respect for Christ and the celebration of his death on the cross and his resurrection as the atonement for all human sins.
Mr. Thompson advised participants: “Every step of the way, try to focus on your love for Jesus.”
“Are you ready to celebrate the love shown to us by our Savior?” he asked, and a cheer went up.
As in previous years, the walk drew people of all ages from both sides of the Ohio River.
Jessie Birch, from Re Focus Christian Church in Follansby, said of the walk: “It’s a great experience.”
Asked if this ritual helps offset the current focus on candy baskets and egg hunts, he said: “It’s fun to do these things, but we have to remember the real message.”
said Jacob Gardner, a teenager from Bergholz. “It’s just a way of honoring Christ’s sacrifice, what he did to forgive our sins.”
The march drew friends and family as well as members of several area churches.
Among them was Susan Overhugh, who was born in Steubenville and now lives in Germany, who went for a walk with her sister Christine Exterovich during a family visit. .
Overhugh, a former Army nurse, said she met her German husband while serving in Texas and moved to her home country with him more than 40 years ago.
The sisters said they were excited to spend the day together in this way.
Bob Baker of Bloomingdale, a member of the Word of Life Fellowship in Steubenville, was unable to participate in the entire march as in previous years due to mobility issues, but he used the church van to help. He said he transported many of his fellow members there.
“I tried it and it felt good.” He added: “The most important thing about it is that he (Christ) did it. He took up that cross, so I’m honored to be able to do it.”
