An Overland Park Messianic congregation on Tuesday observed an ancient tradition as it carried its Torah scroll by hand from its former building to a new synagogue four miles away. About 35 members of the Or HaOlam Messianic Congregation formed a procession to carry the Torah from the building that served as their synagogue for 21 years to another building at 9898 W. 95th Street. 
The congregation of about 140 people includes Jews and non-Jews and follows many Jewish traditions while believing Jesus was the Messiah. In addition to the Torah, the group also carried a scroll containing the Gospels. It is an ancient Jewish tradition that during such moves, the Torah scroll is carried by hand rather than loaded onto moving trucks with more ordinary possessions.
“There’s several traditions that we have to show respect and honor for the Word of God,” said Shmuel Wolkenfeld, the rabbi and leader of the congregation.
The procession Tuesday was accompanied by music, and the group estimated the four-mile trip along city streets would take more than an hour.
The Or HaOlam Messianic congregation was founded in 1995 with 30 members.