It is one thing to sit in church for Good Friday services and remember back to the story of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, but it is entirely different when you can actually experience it first hand.

For the past few decades, the East End Ministerial Association has come together each year to produce "Walk to Calvary," a re-enactment of Jesus' final hours on earth, leading up to his death at Calvary.

June Anne Furbert, who by day is the guest services manager at the Grotto Bay, is the director and producer for the annual event. She is joined by the ministerial staff and members at almost all of the churches in St. George's and St. David's.

This year, the production will begin at 11 a.m. on Good Friday, April 14, commencing from Ebenezer Methodist Church. The group, which includes a cast of 50, will then march, led by the Salvation Army Band, to Richard Allen AME for the first part of the production - a re-enactment of Judas Iscariot conspiring with the Saducees to betray Jesus.

The next segment, Christ's prayer and betrayal at the Garden of Gethsemane, is held at the Unfinished Church, followed by court of high priests at the Salvation Army's St. George's Corps. Next comes Peter's denial at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church and the presentation of Jesus to Pontius Pilate on the steps of St. Peter's.

Christ then carries the cross through the streets of St. George's, with the play coming to a head with the crucifixion on Ordnance Island.

Eugene Wainwright is the longest-serving cast member, and has performed the part of Jesus for several years.

"He doesn't just play Jesus," Mrs. Furbert explained. "For the last two or three months, he's been fasting... By the time he does it, he's sacrificed so much."

Mr. Wainwright's commitment to the part and his ability to bring Christ to life, is, according to Mrs. Furbert, one of the main reasons why the production has been so powerful to so many over the years.

Some of the other key characters include Wellington Baptist's pastor, Rev. Bremer, as Pilate and Joan Simons as his wife, town crier E. Michael Jones is Barabbas, Alex Daniels is Peter and new minister to St. Peter's, the Rev. W. David Raths is the high priest. Mrs. Furbert plays Mary Magdalene and the play is narrated by the Rev. Erskine Simmons and Rev. Joyce Hayward.

Each year, hundreds attend the play, following it from stage to stage.

"It has grown over the years," Mrs. Furbert said. She is especially excited as a cruise ship is currently scheduled to be at dock the day of the performance.

Those watching also sing hymns at each station, and no scene commences until all of those in attendance have gathered. To assist, sound equipment is set up at each locale in advance.

For those wishing to speak with someone about the experience, ministerial staff are available and their are flyers for guests to take home as well.

The East End Ministerial Association also invites the public to their annual sunrise service held at 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday. It is also held at Ordnance Island.