Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.

It falls on the Friday before Easter, and it is the pinnacle of the holy week. As early as the first century, the church set aside every Good Friday as a special day of prayer and fasting.

But it was not until the fourth century that the church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ.

The name “Good Friday” was adopted by the Roman Church around the sixth or seventh century.

The early ceremony of the celebration of Good Friday was somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar were bare, no candles were lit.

The whole purpose behind the solemn presentation was to create an awareness of grief over the sacrifice of God’s only son.

The St. Mary Baptist Church located at 11 Howard Loop Road, off Airport Road, cordially invites all of the community to join us for a Good Friday praise and worship service featuring Dr. Steven Harrison of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Kirby and Bro. David Hendricks and his combined choirs.

The guest choir will be Mount Olive Baptist Church’s choir.

The service begins at 6 p.m. Friday.

All those who love the Lord are invited. Refreshments will be served.

Johnathan Hargrave

deacon, St. Mary Baptist Church