As day turns to dusk Friday night, three crosses located just off U.S. Route 50 will fade with the sunset. Minutes later, they will illuminate – and upon them will be three men.

 

A live crucifixion portrayal on the Reynolds Farm is a tradition 28 years in the making. What started with a handful of men from Reynoldsville Baptist Church – located just over the hill from the portrayal location – has grown into an effort encompassing several churches. At the helm of it all is Bridgeport’s Dick Miller.

 

“Back in 1987, I had a dream to do this. We were always hunting and hanging out of tree stands,” said Miller about himself, his brother Johnny and their fellow church members/hunting buddies, “and I just thought of a way we could remind people of why we have Good Friday.”

 

Good Friday is celebrated, in fact, to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. As history goes – and the holy bible records – he rose on the third day, that resurrection being the hope of eternal life for those who believe.

 

Friday night, many will drive to the site, park their cars and take it all in. Others will just be traveling by, surprised at what they see on the side of the highway. That site is three men, very simply draped with covering and seemingly hanging on the crosses. There’s no more; no less. That’s just the way Miller envisioned it and the way it has stayed for 28 years.

 

Although not visible from the bottom of the hillside, there is some fellowshipping happening up on that hill; perhaps even some singing. The Christian bonding time is important to the men – and sometimes women – who participate. Usually, there are 18 to 20; taking their turn on the crosses. 

 

The portrayal has, indeed, been a labor of love for nearly 30 years. Just last year, the crosses – rotted from weathering – had to be replaced. Miller enlisted some help, replaced and stained them just in time for the 2014 portrayal.

 

It’s all worth it, he said, if it will just make one person stop and think: “Why do we have Good Friday off anyway?"

 

For 28 years, my family has been at Reynolds Farm on the evening of Good Friday. When our kids were little, they would try to figure out which one was their daddy, their Uncles Bobby, Dickie and Johnny and other family friends. They always understood what was going on up there. And when it was over, all the little girls would spend the night together and excitedly talk about their Easter dresses; maybe even color some Easter eggs. Since they've grown up, some have been part of the portrayal effort and/or brought their own children to watch. 

 

The Reynolds Farm is located at the Route 50 West/Davisson Run intersection. The live crucifixion portrayal will take place from dusk to about 11 p.m. Friday. I invite you to come - and be blessed. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. More "It's Happening" HERE.