HONORING CHRIST — In remembrance of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, many area Christians participated in a walk Friday in which a 5-foot-long cross was conveyed from North Fourth Street in Steubenville to Springdale Avenue in Wintersville. They are among Christians throughout the world who will be celebrating Easter Sunday. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — More than 100 area residents set out on an approximately 7-mile trek from downtown Steubenville to Wintersville Friday as a reminder of the spiritual meaning of Easter.

Several bore a 5-foot-long wooden cross as a reminder of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ that is the basis of the holiday, making stops at Grace Lutheran Church and Starkdale Presbyterian Church for rest before making their way to Springdale Avenue and Crossroads Christian Church.

Participants had departed from Sycamore Youth Center on North Fourth Street, where they had gathered for songs of worship and prayer.

There, Chad Thompson of Faith Community Church of Bergholz reflected on the origin of the Cross Walk, now in its 16th year.

Thompson said his wife, Amanda, had noted division among the various Christian denominations and sought to show that despite their differences, “we are united in Jesus Christ.”

“This is a time when unity is a little bit easier to display,” he said, noting Christians share a common reverence for Christ and his death by crucifixion as atonement for all of humanity’s sins and a celebration of his resurrection.

Thompson advised participants, “With each step you take, make sure that your focus is on the love of Jesus.”

“Are we ready to celebrate the love our savior showed us?” he asked, which was answered by jubilant cheers.

As in the past, the walk drew people from both sides of the Ohio River and of all ages.

Jessie Burch, a participant from Re-Focus Christian Church of Follansbee, said of the walk, “It’s a great experience.”

Asked if the ritual helps to offset the focus by many at this time on candy-filled baskets and egg hunts, he said, “It’s fun to do those things, but we have to remember the real message.”

Jacob Gardner, a teen from Bergholz, said, “It’s just a way to honor the sacrifice of Christ, what he did to forgive us for our sins.”

The march drew members of several area churches as well as friends and family members.

Among them was Susan Overheu, a Steubenville native now living in Germany, who joined her sister, Christine Exterovich, for the walk during a visit with her family.

A former Army nurse, Overheu said she met her German husband while serving in Texas and moved to his home country with him more than 40 years ago.

The sisters said they were excited to be spending the day together in such a way.

Bob Baker of Bloomingdale, a member of Word of Life Fellowship in Steubenville, said mobility issues prevented him from taking part in the entire march, as he had in the past, but he used the church’s van to transport many fellow members there.

“When I did it, I felt good doing it,” he said, adding, “The most important thing about it is he (Christ) did it. He carried that cross, so it’s an honor to do it.”