Easter message spread

Ralph Davies, 17 (left), Mary Old, 17, and Harris Lin, 17, Bethlehem College arts council members, have erected a cross at the school. Photo / George Novak

A group of Bethlehem College students have erected a cross to get their classmates thinking of the true meaning of Easter.

The college puts on a special Easter service that is open to the public each year. The service is usually promoted with posters hung around the school but this year, arts council members Mary Old, Harris Lin and Ralph Davies, all 17, decided they wanted to do something interactive for their fellow students.

Harris said he felt the cross was more "organic" than posters because students could opt to attach a slip of paper with their favourite scripture to the wooden beams.

"They can be a lot more personally involved, which I think makes a big difference."

Harris said, to him, it was about appreciating the sacrifice Jesus made and remembering Easter was not just about chocolate.

"He willingly died for us to send a message that we are loved and can be saved."

Mary said the group wanted something to get Easter's true meaning across. She said the cross would help make people feel they could be a part of the Easter message.

"Jesus died on the cross for us, it's about remembering that."

Ralph said he thought a physical cross would send a more effective message than posters.

"It will be more effective to tell the story of Christ through the cross. By getting a cross we can interact with more people and help them realise the importance of the cross to our religion."