Milan Church Holds 19th Annual Good Friday Cross Walk

First General Baptist Church commemorates the Passion of Christ with a solemn public procession.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a crowd walking down a city street, with a single figure carrying a large cross in the center, surrounded by soft, warm pools of light and color.A solemn Good Friday procession commemorates the Passion of Christ through the streets of Milan, Tennessee.Jackson Today

First General Baptist Church in Milan, Tennessee held its 19th annual 'Cross Walk' on Good Friday, with a member portraying Jesus carrying a cross through the streets while being threatened by Roman guards. Participants walked the route from a local grocery store to the church, raising awareness of the true meaning of Easter.

Why it matters

The Cross Walk is a longstanding tradition that allows the community to come together and reflect on the religious significance of Good Friday and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is an important part of how the church and local residents commemorate the Passion during the Easter season.

The details

During the Cross Walk, a member of the church took on the role of Jesus, carrying a cross along the route from the Milan Save-a-Lot to the First General Baptist Church while being threatened by 'Roman guards.' A crowd of people also walked alongside, holding signs to further emphasize the religious meaning of the event.

  • The Cross Walk took place on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • This was the 19th year the church has held the annual event.

The players

First General Baptist Church

A church in Milan, Tennessee that has hosted the annual Cross Walk event for the past 19 years as part of its Good Friday observances.

William Glidewell

A member of First General Baptist Church who portrayed the role of Jesus carrying the cross during the 2026 Cross Walk.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've done this five years and I cry all the way back to the church. It's truly a blessing to be able to do this. And all of it reminds me of what he went through to save somebody like me.”

— William Glidewell, Member portraying Jesus

The takeaway

The Cross Walk is a powerful and moving tradition that allows the Milan community to come together and reflect on the religious significance of Good Friday and the Passion of Christ. It is an important part of how the First General Baptist Church and its members commemorate the Easter season.