Journey to the Cross, where can you find them?

Easter is just around the corner. Here is a blog on where to travel to see crosses. The cross is the symbol of Christian faith. Traveling to the cross at this most holy of holidays makes this a faith filled trip!

St. Simon Island, Georgia.

I saw this cross several years ago on a visit to St. Simon’s Island. There I learned about the beginning of the Methodist church. They have roots on this small coastal island where John Wesley and Charles Wesley served as missionaries.

The cross is near the Christ Church Frederica. A historical sign in front of the church shares, “This congregation was established as a mission of the church of England in February 1736. The Rev. Charles Wesley ordained priest of that Church conducted the first services in the chapel within the walls of Fort Frederica. The Rev. John Wesley, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Savannah also served this mission under the name of St. James. This was one of the first eight parishes established in 1756. After the Revolution these churches, which had been served continuously by clergymen of the Church of England formed the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.”

Across the street from the church is the Wesley Garden. One path leads back to a large sculpture of a Celtic cross.

A beautiful cross on a lovely island.

Alto Pass, Bald Knob Cross of Peace!

I have been to the Bald Knob Cross a number of times. My favorite visit was an Agricultural History trip with my good friend, the late Rose Hammitt. The cross is a tribute to the Christian faith in Southern Illinois.  The Bald Knob cross is111 feet tall. When illuminated at night with 40,000 watts, it can be seen for 7,500 square miles.

Story of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace

The story of the cross begins in the spring of 1937. Wayman Presley, a native of Jackson County, and Reverend W. H. Lirely were discussed the need for a place where people of all denominations could gather for worship.  Noticing Bald Knob, which rises 1,000 feet above sea level, it was the perfect place.  The Knob is part of the Illinois Ozark Mountains of Southern Illinois.

The conversation led to an Easter Sunrise service in 1937. The cross grew from there. Each of the four sides of the cross has a word inscribed into the granite: Peace, Hope, Faith, Charity. Besides the cross itself, the view is something to be seen!

Images at the Cross – Branson

Outside of Branson, last year I was on a trip with our Trinity Lutheran Trinity Travels group. During our travels, we spied a large cross, Images of the Cross. On their website they share, “The site of the Images Cross is seven miles north of Branson, Missouri, the Entertainment Capital of the Midwest…”

The cross is thirty miles south of Springfield, Missouri. The Images property is on the tallest promontory of the surrounding area. The cross is where U.S. 160 crosses U.S. 65. The cross offers a reminder of Jesus and His sacrifice to travelers in the Branson area and beyond.

Cross at the Belique Cemetery on the Church tour near Perryville, Missouri

Twice now, my husband Keith and I joined the Perryville Country Church Tour that takes place in December! This past visit, we spied a cross in the Belique Cemetery. The cemetery is located at the former home of the Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. In the center of the cemetery is an amazing cross with Jesus on it.

What followed our visit was awe inspiring. We saw the shadow of a cross on a shed. In all reality this was the shadow of a telephone pole. But the timing and the angle shed God’s love right for us to see while heading home.

And more!

Outside of the town of Effingham is America’s 2nd Largest Cross. Located at highways 57 and 70, it is called, the “Cross at the Crossroads”.

Outside of Springfield, on I-72 there is the cross outside of Calvary Temple church. Also, local churches are places where you can see beautiful crosses. Our church, Trinity Lutheran in Auburn, Illinois is replacing a cross that once stood outside of our church. We are excited about the new cross that will have stained glass. The new cross will light up Route 104!

Where have you seen crosses along the way?