Jesus Walk Returns
Annual event was virtual in 2020
The Inter-Mountain photos by Tony Baisi The Jesus portrayer walks by the Philippi Covered Bridge on Friday evening as part of the 12th annual Jesus Walk in Philippi.
Participants travel the route by foot during Friday evening’s 12th annual Jesus Walk event in Philippi.
The Inter-Mountain photos by Tony Baisi The Jesus portrayer walks by the Philippi Covered Bridge on Friday evening as part of the 12th annual Jesus Walk in Philippi.
Participants travel the route by foot during Friday evening’s 12th annual Jesus Walk event in Philippi.
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PHILIPPI -- Colder temperatures with a high of 40 degrees on Friday may have lessened the number of folks taking part in the 12th annual Jesus Walk in Philippi, though several dozen people still participated.
The annual tradition has always been a way for locals to show appreciation for how Jesus walked and carried His cross on the path to Calvary.
"I'd say we had about 75 folks come out this year," Haven of Hope Worship Center Pastor Benita Swick said. "Numbers were down but that was expected."
As the COVID-19 pandemic was just getting into full swing at this time last year, officials decided it was best to host a virtual Jesus Walk in 2020.
"We had a virtual Jesus Walk last year due to COVID," she said. "I think people were happy to be able to walk for Jesus again (this year). There were many smiling faces at the walk. People love the spirit of the walk."
The invite to take part in the annual event is open to all persons, not to just one church or denomination. It is an invitation for Christians to reflect upon and honor what Jesus did so long ago.
"Joining together as one, following our Jesus portrayer to the (Barbour) county seat, and ending in song and prayer is a very powerful experience," Swick said.
The next Jesus Walk in Philippi is slated for Good Friday of 2022. Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue and Gray Park adjacent to the Philippi Covered Bridge. The walk will begin at 6 p.m.