Greater Grace Temple's "The Whip, Hammer, & Cross" is the Longest Standing Easter Production in the Motor City

The church's elaborate on stage production has become a Detroit community tradition drawing huge crowds that overflow its 4,000 seat cathedral

DETROIT, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's more than a stage production. The color, the pageantry, and the presentation make it an experience. Greater Grace Temple presents "The Whip, Hammer, & Cross," the powerful story of Jesus Christ and Calvary. It happens, Good Friday, April 6th at the "City of David, 23500 W. Seven Mile Rd. Start time is 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. This year's production will be presented "one-night only."

"I believe the attraction of this presentation is much like the old saying, I can show you better than I can tell you," says Communications Director Melvin Epps. "Drama and the gospel are a powerful mix."

Even before Mel Gibson's "The Passion" packed out movie houses, "The Whip, Hammer, and Cross" became a Motor City tradition, having drawn crowds totaling over 10,000 over three nights. When Greater Grace began this ministry outreach 12-years ago, they never dreamed of it becoming such a "community" event. The overflow from the cathedral (which holds 4000) into the Banquet Facility, Chapel, and huge hallways has been phenomenal in previous years. Visitors have come from as far as Chicago, New York state, Connecticut, and Ohio.

"Passion plays" and "Easter pageants" may be plentiful during the Easter holiday season, but "The Whip, Hammer, & Cross" is clearly a beloved Motor City tradition. With more than 200 actors, actresses and stage crew, as well as live animals, colorful costumes, and a powerful narration/sermon, this "illustrated sermon" is one people come back to see every year. ADMISSION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE!! For info call 313-543-6000 or visit us at www.greatergrace.org

SOURCE Greater Grace Temple