Whiteville church builds replica tomb for live Easter reenactment

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Good Friday is a time for Christians around the world remember the death of Jesus Christ. Churches across our area are holding special services to mark the beginning of Easter weekend. 

Western Prong Baptist Church in Whiteville is celebrating by constructing a life-sized replica of the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. 

According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified and laid to rest in a tomb, and he arose to heaven on the third day—leaving the tomb empty. 

This weekend, the church is staging a live reenactment of Jesus’ resurrection. 

The tomb was created by local artist and business owner Lori Wright. 

Pastor Ronnie Wilson says this is the first time the church has held an event like this, and he hopes it becomes an annual tradition. 

“We’ve never done it before. It was just something the Lord laid on our heart, and now we’re looking at next year to make it even bigger,” he said. “We’re excited about it and we want the public to come out and look at it too. Check the tomb out, walk out here, look inside the tomb, look outside the tomb, and enjoy what Easter’s all about.” 

The church will have two live Roman guards outside of the tomb on Friday until 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.  

A special service will be held surrounding the tomb on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.  

The church will hold Easter day services at 8, 9, and 10 a.m. on Sunday morning.