People of many Christian denominations, churches and races throughout the Minden area celebrated Good Friday on March 29, 2024 together as “One Cross, One People.” 

Pastors from participating churches gathered earlier this month to organize the day, which started before 7 a.m. on Friday at the Ash tree in downtown Minden, and ended at 5:30 p.m. with services at the North Acres Baptist Church. The Cross, signifying Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, was carried to businesses and different locations throughout the area, where participants prayed and visited with citizens. Each pastor was assigned to preach a short sermon at stops along the way.

The Cross was carried into North Acres Baptist Church at 5:30 Friday evening, where Royal Scott, Jr., pastor of the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church led the Call to Worship and Opening. Worship leaders from various churches combined to lead the music throughout the service.

The Order of Service was subdivided into three parts. In Part I, Scripture & Prayer were led by Trey Waller, pastor of Living Word Worship Center; the Responsive Reading, “The Crucifixion of Jesus” was led by Brett Cook, pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, followed by the combined worship leaders.

Part II had Chris Plants, leader of the Webster Parish Men of Courage, talking about “The Last Passover,” followed by Samuel Bradley, pastor of St. Rest United Methodist Church and Helping Hands Church, delivering “The Betrayal.” Randy Brown, pastor of Beech Springs Baptist Church, talked about “The Garden,” which was followed by more music.

Terry Combs, pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, started off Part III with “The Trial,” which was followed by Keith Mariott, pastor of the Minden Presbyterian Church, discussing “The Crucifixion.”

An invitation to discipleship, closing remarks and the benediction were led by Chad Logan, pastor of the North Acres Baptist Church.