Saint Edmund, Downham Market, Norfolk

 Faith - Churches Together

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Churches Together in Downham Market & District
Good Friday Procession of Witness

During the course of the year there are a number of shared ‘Churches Together’ events, but the Good Friday Procession of Witness is the major ecumenical celebration and joint act of witness.

Usually around 150 people take part, from the seven member churches participating:

- St Edmund’s Parish Church
- Denver group of parishes
- Wimbotsham group of parishes
- St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church
- Methodist Church
- Salvation Army
- Christian Fellowship (Assemblies of God - Pentecostal).

There are seven ‘stations’ in all, and we usually follow the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

The participating church groups take responsibility for leading one of the seven stations, at each of which there is a hymn (led by the Salvation Army band), reflection and prayer. Representatives from the churches also take it turn to carry the large cross. The walking between stations is in silence, which is usually very powerful!

Starting at St Edmund’s Parish Church, on the hill at the top of the central area of the town, we proceed to St Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church, Tesco’s supermarket, the Salvation Army, Wales Court Shopping precinct, Somerfield supermarket and the Methodist Church. The route takes us round most of the town centre.


1. Gathering outside St Edmund's - for the First Station
1. Gathering outside St Edmund's - for the First Station

2. At St Dominic's Roman Catholic Church
2. At St Dominic's Roman Catholic Church

'And Simon of Cyrene helped carry the cross of Jesus, behind him.'     Our 'Simon of Cyrene' was aged 12.
'And Simon of Cyrene helped carry the cross of Jesus, behind him.' Our 'Simon of Cyrene' was aged 12.

3. Outside - well, you can guess where...
3. Outside - well, you can guess where...

Down Priory Road
Down Priory Road

4. At the Salvation Army Meeting Place
4. At the Salvation Army Meeting Place

Up Bridge Street
Up Bridge Street

Downham Market market - usually thronging on a Friday; empty on Good Friday.
Downham Market market - usually thronging on a Friday; empty on Good Friday.

5. At Wales Court shopping precinct  (see 'Wall Monuments' for more about the Wales family).
5. At Wales Court shopping precinct (see 'Wall Monuments' for more about the Wales family).

6. Outside Morrison's supermarket
6. Outside Morrison's supermarket

Approaching the Methodist Church
Approaching the Methodist Church

7. Concluding at the Methodist Church
7. Concluding at the Methodist Church