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Jesus, portrayed by Bruce McCall, is captured by roman soldiers during the Passion of the Christ reenactment. The church will present the drama again a 7:30 tonight. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcrat)

Judas, below, considers turning in Jesus to Roman authorities. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Jesus, portrayed by Bruce McCall, is crucified on the cross Friday, alongside two criminals at the reenactment. The church will present the drama again a 7:30 tonight. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcrat)

nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat Jesus, portrayed by Bruce McCall, is crucified on the cross Friday, during The Sacrifice of the Christ live Easter drama Friday at Highland Baptist Church. The church will present the drama again a 7:30 tonight. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Demcrat)

Churches across the Miss-Lou celebrated Good Friday with services, remembrances and, in the case of Highland Baptist Church, with reenactment.

More than 100 people crowded into a row of bleachers set up in the parking lot behind Highland Baptist Church.

Two dozen actors and actresses took part in the reenactment of Jesus’ final days, death and resurrection that hushed the crowd.

The play’s beginnings were modest, with Bruce McCall — who portrayed Jesus — healing and speaking amongst his disciples.

That calm would soon build, however, into a torrent of betrayal, anger and, eventually, the crucifixion of Jesus.  Though Highland Baptist Church completed its narrative with the resurrection, death is where the story normally ends on Good Friday.

The crucifixion is completed; Jesus’s body laid in the tomb.  Three days after that dark moment the resurrection comes on Easter Sunday.  In addition to Highland Baptist’s, dozens of churches across the Miss-Lou held vigils Friday night, remembering the crucifixion and death of Jesus.  Each Easter service, Miss-Lou ministers say, is the completion of the Christian narrative, the rest of the story.

See Sunday’s edition of The Natchez Democrat for a look at the different ways pastors in the Miss-Lou will celebrate the biggest day in Christianity — Easter.

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