The Waiting Room Moves Audiences at Baptist Temple

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

NEWBURGH – The Usher Ministry transformed Baptist Temple into a stage for deep reflection and soul-searching this past Saturday and Sunday with a powerful production of The Waiting Room, a thought-provoking play written by acclaimed Christian playwright Cleveland O. McLeish. Performed in front of packed congregations, The Waiting Room brings together five strangers from drastically different walks of life—a lawyer, a Rastafarian, a prostitute, a Muslim, and a backslider—who find themselves mysteriously transported from their earthly lives to a sterile, unfamiliar waiting room. They are unsure how they got there or why they’ve been brought together, but as the minutes tick by, eerie revelations begin to unfold.

Each character starts to experience visions and interactions with people from their past—people who have already passed away. Tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and as emotions reach a boiling point, a messenger enters the room with a Bible in hand and a sobering truth: they are about to meet Jesus—and find out where they will spend eternity.

The diverse and dynamic cast delivered stirring performances that held the audience in rapt attention. Jerry Barnes, who played Jesus, brought both quiet authority and a piercing presence to the role. He was humbled by the role, as it was much different from the last play he did.

“We had [a play] a few months ago upstairs, actually, last month. It was called The Beauty Shop. I came in as a hustler and I was giving them the word out of the Bible,” Barnes said with a smile.

Barbara Fields, portraying Maria, the prostitute, offered one of the evening’s most vulnerable and emotional moments as she confronted the pain of her past and the hope of redemption. At first, she didn’t want to play a prostitute.

“Well, it was actually Mr. Jerry Barnes. He said to me, not this year, but last year, when we did it the first time, he said, ‘I have the perfect part for you. You’re cute… You put on those stilettos, girl and you going to heaven’… I said, ‘Okay, I’ll play it… because I want to go to heaven,’” Fields said after the show. “At the end [of the play], I thank God for just staying with me while I stepped out… He never left my side… He came back and He said, empty pages after that [because He forgave my sin], I had nothing to fear.”

Tina Johnson wore two hats—Assistant Director and actress—playing Jane, the Muslim woman wrestling with faith and identity. Her portrayal captured both dignity and inner conflict, resonating deeply with the audience. She first introduced The Waiting Room to the Usher Ministry last year and was instrumental in bringing it back for a second run.

“We added the [singing]. The messenger last year didn’t sing. And then we added the praise dancers. So, it looked like it was coming to light,” said Johnson who voiced that the play was so much better this year.

Alyce Mauldin, the director, who initially helped with rehearsals, discussed her journey and responsibilities with this play revolving around a dramatic portrayal of the afterlife. When the cast presented her with flowers, they emphasized her sternness as a director.

“I originally came in just to help reading lines when people were absent from rehearsal. So, I was able to give a little bit more input, telling people how to speak louder, do this, use more action. So, it was kind of like I was ‘voluntold’… to be the director. I’m always willing to help and lend a helping hand,” said Mauldin who also serves as the president of Hospitality and is involved with planning many upcoming church events. “We have [Master] Hilton Rawls coming [Sunday]. Baptist Temple is celebrating our 49th Church Anniversary on September 27th but we are planning our big anniversary, which will be the 50th for 2026. We are doing the Sight and Sound play to see Joshua in March. And we’re also planning a [Carnival] cruise. All [are] welcome… We try to include the community. And we just want everybody to know that God gave us life and He gave it to us more abundantly. So, you can have fun in everything you do and have fun in Christ in everything you do.”

The ensemble’s chemistry was palpable, and the raw emotion of the performances left many in the audience visibly moved. Following the show, the congregation remained in their seats, silently reflecting, as soft music played and an invitation for salvation was offered. The Waiting Room is more than a stage play—it is a mirror held up to the human soul, challenging viewers to examine the state of their hearts, their beliefs, and ultimately, their destiny. It highlights the consequences of living a sinful life and the importance of faith and obedience. With compelling performances, thoughtful direction, and a message that lingers long after the curtain falls, this play may go down as one of the most impactful theatrical experiences in the Baptist Temple’s history.

Ms. Jones