Down from the Cross by Joyce Livingston Page A

God with their talents. Should we fire those whom we hire or think any less of the musicians and their capabilities because they may not claim to be Christians?”
    Milton spoke up again. “But hire a man to play the part of Jesus? Shouldn’t the man who plays that part be a Christian?”
    “That’s what we’re here to decide,” the chairman of the board said, scanning each face. “At this point, we don’t even know if Mr. Moray would consider such an invitation should we decide to offer it. He may give us a flat no, and that’ll be the end of it.” His face took on a gentle smile. “But I personally think Jane’s idea has great merit. Think about it. Each year, though we fill our sanctuary for eight straight nights, and we’ve done everything but get down on our knees and beg the newspapers, radio, and television stations for coverage, we’ve had very little publicity. And,” he went on, “I’m sorry to say, but although many people come forward for salvation or rededication, most of those in our audience are Christians.”
    Pastor Congdon nodded his head. “He’s right. All you have to do is look at the attendance cards we ask everyone to sign.”
    “What if—” The man’s eyes sparkled as he continued. “What if Keene Moray, a famous opera singer, were to sing the lead part in our Easter production? Think of the possibilities to reach people with the gospel, gentlemen. People from all over the state would come to hear him! What would it cost them to attend a performance at the opera? Maybe $60 or $70 a seat? And they would be attending our performance for free! I am not sure we would be able to contain the crowds! Do you think we’d have to beg the media for coverage with him singing the part of Jesus?”
    Milton shook his head. “I know you’re right—Mr. Moray singing in our church’s Easter pageant would be a real drawing card—but could he do it? I mean, portraying Christ would be extremely difficult. Not many men could do it without offending those in our audience. We sure don’t want that to happen. I remember the first year we did a cantata that required someone to play the part of Jesus, we had a real uproar from a number of church members.”
    “That we did,” Pastor Congdon said with a slight chuckle. “But after that first night, everyone agreed it worked out well, especially when so many people responded to the invitation. Jim Carter did a masterful job singing, and I don’t really remember anyone complaining after that first night.”
    “But Jim was saved,” a member who had been silent up to that point said meekly. “He sang it from his heart.”
    Jane could no longer keep her silence. “Keene Moray is a professional, just as those musicians we hire for the Sunday morning services are professionals. Granted, he doesn’t know Jesus as his Savior, but that man is able to take simple words from a music score and put feelings and emotions into them that would amaze you. I know. I hear him every day. He’s not only a singer, he’s an actor. A marvelous actor. If he were willing to do it, he could take the music to
Down from the Cross
and make it come alive.”
God, help me to make them understand!
“I–I have an audiotape at home of Elvis Presley singing ‘Amazing Grace.’ I’ve heard some say he was a Christian, but from his lifestyle, I have my doubts. Yet every time I hear him sing it, it touches my heart. Could not Keene’s voice singing the part of Jesus in
Down from the Cross
touch hearts in our audience?”
    Pastor Congdon gave Jane a smile of agreement, and she felt herself relax.
    “Thank you, Jane,” he said, motioning toward the door. “You’ve given us much to think about. The board and I will discuss this, pray about it, and get back to you. Thank you for coming.”
    Jane stood to leave and felt compelled to make one last plea. “I–I want to thank you for letting me come here tonight. Please… I’d like to leave you with one final thought. Keene