The Stations of the Cross

Allan Rohan Crite

The brush and ink drawings in our Stations of the cross were originally created by Allan Rohan Crite for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in the city of St. Louis (since closed). They depict Jesus as a black man, walking through an African-American neighborhood.  On close examination the newspapers in each drawing give clues as to the station depicted. Holy Communion’s stations are a copy of the originals, made with the gracious permission of the vestry of All Saints and Ascension Episcopal Church, the inheritors of the artwork. The originals are on display in their sanctuary in Northwoods. Holy Communion is thankful for their gift.

Allan Rohan Crite has been described as “artist-reporter of the African American community.”  Born in 1910, Crite grew up and continued to live in Boston. As stated by one art historian: “Crite viewed his work as a vehicle of communication, daring to span the gulf between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the secular, and the divine.” His paintings tell a simple story about the quality of one day, a small activity, or an historic holy event. Rohan Crite was a lifelong Episcopalian.

The number of stations, which at first varied widely, finally became fixed at fourteen. Of these, eight are based directly on events recorded in the Gospels. Interestingly, Rohan Crite’s stations only include the Gospel Stations, with the exception of the penultimate station, “The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother.” This station, the traditional pieta also inspired the work “Mama” by the iconographer Kelly Latimore which is displayed near the high altar. That Rohan Crite thought this image of a mother holding her son was important enough to include, tells a great deal about the setting he chose for his stations.

The Stations are traditionally prayed sequentially. At the beginning of each station is said, “We adore you O Christ and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.” Then the scripture and prayer specific to each station (and displayed within the frame) are read. Then the final antiphon at each station is said or sung.

The Rector, Seminarian Meg Goldstein, Janice Nihill, and Ellis Anderson lead the Stations of the Cross based on a set by Alan Rohan Crite on display at Holy Communion. You can use this podcast in our church, our our website, or out on a walk to pray the stations of the cross. Pause between the stations, and start when you're ready for the next step.

("Were you there?" sung by the Holy Communion Choir, arranged by John Purifoy. Used by permission from OneLicense #A-704988)

Opening Devotions

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:
In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The procession goes to the First Station.