Warren Scott A SACRIFICE RMEMBERED — More than 100 area residents made their way, with a five-foot-long wood cross, along Washington Street in Steubenville, part of a seven-mile trek from North Fourth Street in Steubenville to Springdale Road in Wintersville to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrated by Christians on Easter.

STEUBENVILLE — More than 100 area residents marched on Good Friday from downtown Steubenville to Springdale Road in Wintersville to remember the spiritual meaning of Easter.

At the front of the marchers was a five-foot-long wood cross with an estimated weight of 60 pounds and carried by several of the participants in honor of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrated by millions of Christians on the holiday.

Chad Thompson, pastor of Bergholz Faith Community Church, said his wife, Amanda, felt called by God to launch the walk almost 20 years ago.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” he told many who gathered inside Sycamore Youth Center for a worship service before embarking on the seven-mile trek.

Adults and children of various ages made their way from North Street to Washington Street and on to Sunset Boulevard, with rest or restroom stops available at Grace Lutheran and Starkdale Presbyterian churches along the way.

Amanda Thompson advised participants church vans would be accompanying them in case anyone needed a rest or assistance before the group reached its destination of Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville.

She noted the walk has occurred in all kinds of weather, with heavy sleet pelting heavily bundled participants in one year.

Now in its 17th year, it has been held on Good Friday every year except 2020 when the pandemic resulted in it being postponed until October.

Amanda said it averages 110 walkers who are members of about 25 area churches.

“In our biggest year, there were about 150,” she said.

Amanda added similar walks also are held in other cities and other countries, including one in Kenya held simultaneously by Heaven on Earth Ministries that could be viewed live online.

Because of the time difference between the two countries, its participants were marching late at night, she noted.

Amanda said members of several churches are involved in organizing the local walk and services held at each end with testimony and contemporary Christian music performed by local bands.

In addressing those gathered at the Sycamore Center, Chad Thompson reflected on Colossians 2:6-15, a Biblical passage that advises everyone to put their faith in Christ and to be thankful for his death on the cross as atonement for their sins.

He noted the passage also warns against being swayed by worldly things, including the deceit of others.

Chad said all are called by God “to be rooted and connected to each other,” and God wants everyone to take him into their hearts.

Among the many participating in this year’s walk was Christian Getsey of Steubenville, who said it was his first time.

“I just joined the church and renewed my faith in Christ,” said Getsey, who explained the loss of his parents and other factors had led him back in that direction.

His friend, Nathan Otto of Mingo Junction, said it also was his first Christ Walk.

“I’ve been coming to church every Sunday and saw it was something they were doing and thought it looked cool,” he said.

Patty Grodhaus of Toronto was among many who were thankful for Friday’s warm, sunny weather.

But she said, “I was coming, rain or shine. I think it’s important to pray for our little city.”

Grodhaus, who was accompanied by her 13-year-old grandson, added, “And just because of the importance of the day — that Jesus died for our sins. We need to take time to reflect and spread the Gospel.”

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)