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Music and prayer highlighted in Good Friday presentation
Almost a full house is in attendance for The Seven Last Words of Christ performance at Groome Church in Lewes. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
April 8, 2026
Groome Church in Lewes presented The Seven Last Words of Christ, an orchestral work by Joseph Haydn, on Good Friday, April 3. The performance included a prayer service with music presented by the Shrewsbury String Quartet, accompanied by church organist Nancy Schaefer. Orators read the seven passages related to each of the sonatas.
The Rev. Dr. S. Willard Crossan III, Groome Church pastor, snuffs out the last candle while the Shrewsbury String Quartet plays the final sonata.
Shrewsbury String Quartet first violinist William Phillips and Diane Baxter Neutzling on viola perform a sonata.
A sweet pup rests while waiting for the music to begin.
Organist Nancy Schaefer accompanies the Shrewsbury String Quartet.
Shrewsbury String Quartet members Anthony Gizzi on cello, left, and second violinist Frederick Geiersbach perform a sonata.
Shrewsbury String Quartet players begin the first sonata.
The Rev. William L. Bartholomew, Groome Church associate pastor, reads a passage.
Candles support a crown of thorns as the Rev. Dr. S. Willard Crossan III snuffs them at the end of the performance.
Diane Baxter Neutzling on viola performs a sonata.
Shrewsbury String Quartet first violinist William Phillips performs a sonata.
Lay Leader Retta Rose Frampton begins a passage in The Seven Last Words of Christ.
The Rev. Richard E. Evans Jr., Groome Church associate pastor, reads a passage.
