Five churches join in parade

More than 200 Wanganui Christians gathered to commemorate Good Friday with a walk that took in five churches.

The Way of the Cross march started from Wanganui East Baptist Church, and took in St James Church, Eastside Community Church, and All Saints Anglican Church, before ending at St Anne's Catholic Church.

Each church presented its own version of a Good Friday story. St James Church put on a play that depicted Judas' betrayal of Jesus, titled What the trees saw at Gethsemane.

Brian Maher, playing head centurion, said he had been involved in plays at St James for a number of years.

"We don't get to rehearse much, we had a quick run-through last night and another one this morning."

Children of the congregation were playing the tree parts holding large olive branches and there were a few problems in the church foyer when they realised the branches were carrying passengers in the form of a snail and a praying mantis.

Pastor Don McLeod, of Eastside Community Church, said the Way of the Cross march had been held on Good Fridays in Wanganui East for as long as he could remember.

"A member of our congregation has made an audio recording to be played when the march reaches our church."

Pastor Nigel Irwin of Wanganui Central Baptist Church joined the march.

He said it was good to see so many people from a number of churches joining in.

"Occasions that bring different denominations together are a wonderful way for us to celebrate that we worship the same God," he said.