Manger scenes are popular at many churches at Christmastime, but few churches acknowledge Easter in the same way.

Pastor Jim George and the congregation of Hillcrest Baptist Church on Holland Road are doing their part to change that.

“I was thinking of things we could do this Easter that would be a little different and make awareness in the community of what this weekend is all about,” George said.

Volunteers from the church constructed a model of a tomb that will represent where Christ lay after He was crucified. Beginning on Saturday evening this weekend, volunteers dressed as Roman soldiers will stand guard until early in the morning, when the stone will be rolled away, signifying Christ’s triumph over the grave as described in the gospels.

George said he hopes the project will serve as a visual reminder of the meaning of Easter.

“It’s a busy weekend, and it’s a great weekend for families,” he said. “We always have big plans. But hopefully, this will give some people pause to help them remember why we celebrate this weekend. Maybe somebody will think about that for the first time.”

The tomb has been sitting beside the busy highway all week, so plenty of people should have the chance to see it, George said.

“Hopefully it will be a reflection of what Easter weekend is all about,” he said. “We have it out the week before so people know what Holy Week is all about.”

On Easter morning, another stunning display will take place as church members bring flowers to cover the wooden cross outside the church.

“It’s a representation that Jesus is alive,” George said.

The church is located at 1637 Holland Road.