PASSION PLAY

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 153, 25 March 1937, Page 15

PASSION PLAY

Presentation by Girls of Lower Hutt Simply and reverently the girls of St. James’s senior Bible classes presented “The Way of the Cross,” by the Rev. O. E. Burton, at St. James's Church, on Tuesday night and last night. It will again be presented to-night and to-mor-row night. To those who were present the narrative of the hist week of our Lord's life on earth was invested with a deeper significance and reality. The poignant scenes preceding the Crucifixion and the radiant triumph of the resurrection morning symbolise the Christian faith. The road' from Bethany to Jerusalem was typical of the events preceding the Crucifixion. A group of zealpts in gay apparel was followed by the priests in their pure white robes. Next the mournful last supper in the upper room at Jerusalem was portrayed. Then tlie wony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the portrayal and arrest of Jesus. The trial of Jesus before Caianhas, tlie High Priest, Peter’s denial of his Master and terrible remorse, the ordeal of the trial before Pilate, and the horrible insistent clamourings of the rabble for tlie life of Jesus—all were presented simply and convincingly. Then followed what seemed to be the death of all hope and faith to Christ’s little band of faithful follow-ers—-the Cross, which was hut a prelude to the glory of the resurrection, symbolical of the essence of the Christian iailh. Lastly, a Galilean fisherman recalled the Muster’s last command, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations,” that clarion-call to all Christians throughout the centuries. The costumes worn, reminiscent of the period in tlie East, created an atmosphere of reality, and appropriate singing was an inspiration and uplift, particularly that triumphant, paean, “I Know That M.V Redeemer Llveth.”