EMPTY TOMB … A display sits at the Lockport Mennonite Church of Stryker. The Tomb being empty is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, the meaning of Easter. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The “Trail of Easter” has once again been set up in Fulton County this year. The trail began at 3768 County Road 25 just West of Archbold and lasted from April 6th through the 9th.
Originally thought up by Angie Wyse as a way to do something different with the celebration of Easter, the idea was able to come into existence when COVID hit as a way to give people something to do during the pandemic.
Then and now, with the help of family members and their congregation at the Lockport Mennonite Church, the event continues to teach those about the story of Christ and the journey he took during his final week on Earth.
Items that are significant to Jesus’s story are placed at ten locations across the trail that spans close to ten miles.
Locations through the trail are marked to ensure no one misses an opportunity to see the items. Some of these items include a money changers table overturned, the Passover meal table, a crown of thorns, a cross and the empty tomb.
According to a flyer put out for the event, the trail provides a fun way to experience Easter activities from the convenience of your own vehicle.
It continues with, “Follow along as we make our way back through the Holy Week, where Christ is preparing to make the final sacrifice for all mankind.”
“As Jesus enters into Jerusalem, we hear the people shouting, “Hosanna, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord,” only to have them turn against him later, shouting, Crucify him!”
This is the fourth annual year of the trail and that has led to more items being included this year. Each of the items listed also includes a scripture.
Those scriptures are included in order to help teach those who may not understand why something is there.
It helps to show the meaning behind the holiday and why it is celebrated.
The story of Jesus has to do with hope and healing. This, Angie says, is one of the reasons she wanted to put this event on.
“It is something we wanted to share with the community. There are so many negative things out there within the world and this is something that brings hope. It’s all about bringing hope.”
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com