In celebration of their 110th anniversary, Pathfork Holiness Church will host an Easter play entitled “The Betrayal” on April 7, one performance only, at 8 p.m. Under the director of Pastor Everett Eads, Derrick Moore, who formerly worked and performed on Broadway in New York City, produced, directed and designed the play. Moore will portray Judas.

“For the last several years, the church has performed a play called Is It I,” said Moore. “In honor of our anniversary, we decided to tell the story of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas from beginning to end.”

Moore said the scenes begin with Mary Magdalene washing the feet of Jesus at the Last Supper, anointing him for his death. He said this year there will be a new scene where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Judas actually betrays him for 30 pieces of silver.

“Every year, we hope to add scenes until we eventually get to the Resurrection,” said Moore. “Everything to produce this play has been done through fund raising. The Arch Angel costume this year is one of the best I’ve ever done. One of the songs in the play was written by an original song writer, Brenda Peters, of Roark Pentecostal Church in Leslie County, called The Center of Thy Will. I heard her sing it and it inspired me to create a scene using the words of her song. She has agreed to come and sing the song herself for the play. The scene where she sings is when Jesus is praying in the garden and an angel comes to strengthen him.”

Moore said in the King James version of the Bible, when Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, it says a certain disciple complained saying it was wasteful to use the oils to anoint Jesus’ feet because the oils could be sold and the money used to help the poor. Moore said he interprets that disciple to have been Judas.

“Regardless of what your church denomination is or what your beliefs are, through the presentation of this play Pathfork Holiness Church wants to build on the belief that the resurrection is the most important celebration in all of christian faith,” said Moore. “We hope everyone who attends this play will find their hearts stirred. This play is based on the King James version of the Bible.”

Seating approximately 350 people, the church is located between Harlan and Pineville on U.S. 119, turn onto KY 72 east (Coal Miner’s Memorial Bridge), drive 5.4 miles and the church is on the right. The play will last approximately one hour and is free to everyone who attends. For more information, you may call 606-664-2555 or email at derrick.amoore@hotmail.com.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com