On Palm Sunday, March 28th, 2010, the board of directors of Bald Knob Cross is asking every church in the region to participate in the 2nd Annual "One for the Cross."
"One for the Cross" asks churches to receive an offering of $1 for every man, woman, and child in their church. If every church and every person does just a little … just one dollar … the funds will be available to continue restoration on the Cross. Last year, this request produced approximately $70,000 in donations.
If the funds are successfully raised, the Cross restoration will be COMPLETED by July of this year.
HISTORY -
In 1937, Wayman Presley, a native of Southern Illinois, was walking and conversing with Reverend W. H. Lirely. The two spoke about the need for a place where people of all denominations could gather for worship. Their attention was drawn to Bald Knob, a high place in the Illinois Ozark Mountains in rural Union County. What came out of that initial conversation was the first Easter Sunrise service in 1937 with 250 in attendance. Attendance grew the following years into the thousands. The popularity of the Christian community gathering led to a plan which resulted in the purchase of Bald Knob in the 1950s.
By the mid-1950s, due to the tireless fundraising efforts of Wayman Presley, enough capital had been received to begin construction on what would be the largest Cross in the World. The Cross received national support when Presley was featured on the wildly popular nationally syndicated TV program, “This Is Your Life”. He took a leave of absence from his postal service position to throw himself completely into the project. His vision garnered the support of nearly every Catholic and Protestant denomination and drew people together from every walk of life. Farmers and bankers, college presidents and African American blacksmiths, all joined together to insure the success of the vision.
The formal groundbreaking ceremony was held in conjunction with the 1959 Easter Sunrise Service. The Cross was completed in 1963 when the last of over 900 heavy gauge steel panels with a bright white porcelain veneer was affixed to the framework creating a spectacular sight which could be seen for 7500 square miles at night after it was illuminated with 40,000 watts of lighting. The Cross quickly became the most popular tourist attraction in Southern Illinois, attracting visitors from all over the world.
CHALLENGE –
In the years following, the Cross began deteriorating physically as interest in the organization itself waned. In the early 2000s disputes arose among board members resulting in litigation. In 2006, the Court ordered the properties be locked down until the proceedings were concluded. Without any maintenance, the Cross fell even further into disrepair.
On Christmas Eve of 2008, a settlement supported by both sides of the conflict was reached. All current board members stepped down and the court appointed a temporary transitional board comprised of mostly religious leaders in Southern Illinois. The seven member transitional board initially met in January 2009 and began work immediately. The Cross superstructure was analyzed by a structural engineering firm, repairs were made; and the entire framework stripped and sealed. To date, approximately $150,000 of repairs have been COMPLETED and PAID IN FULL. In addition to the physical restoration of the monument, organizational progress has been successful as well. On February 9th, 2010, at the Annual Membership Meeting, with significant representation from both sides of the former litigation, a completely new set of By-Laws was adopted UNANIMOUSLY, positioning the corporation on a firm legal footing for the future. Fiscal policies are in the process of being adopted and program development aspects are underway as well.
The entire restoration program has been executed UNDER BUDGET, due in large part to the sacrifice of so many. The final phases of the restoration are yet to be completed. $220,000 is currently in the bank. However, an additional $180,000 is needed to purchase the new exterior panels, granite facing stones, and lighting. If funds are available, the Cross will be completed by July of this year!
STRATEGY -
In keeping with Wayman’s vision to give everyone an opportunity to take ownership of this magnificent monument, the Board of Directors is asking you to help raise the remaining funds needed to fully complete the restoration project. Together, we can restore Bald Knob Cross beyond its former glory.
On Palm Sunday, March 28th, 2010, we are asking every church in the region to receive an offering of $1 for every man, woman, and child in their church. There are thousands of churches in our tri-state region and potentially hundreds of thousands of worshipers. If every church and every person does just a little … just one dollar … the funds will be available to complete the Cross by THIS SUMMER. But it won’t happen without your help.
Support One for the Cross in your church and in your community.
Every Church
One person
One dollar
ONE FOR THE CROSS!
Send donations to:
Bald Knob Cross
c/o Farmers State Bank
Alto Pass, Illinois 62905
MEMBERSHIP -
In addition to “One for the Cross”, a membership drive is underway. Any person can become a full formal partner and member of the organization with a $50 donation ($75 for married couples). Just send your donation with a note requesting membership to the address provided or join online with a secure donation. Visit us at:
www.baldknobcross.com
"One for the Cross" asks churches to receive an offering of $1 for every man, woman, and child in their church. If every church and every person does just a little … just one dollar … the funds will be available to continue restoration on the Cross. Last year, this request produced approximately $70,000 in donations.
If the funds are successfully raised, the Cross restoration will be COMPLETED by July of this year.
HISTORY -
In 1937, Wayman Presley, a native of Southern Illinois, was walking and conversing with Reverend W. H. Lirely. The two spoke about the need for a place where people of all denominations could gather for worship. Their attention was drawn to Bald Knob, a high place in the Illinois Ozark Mountains in rural Union County. What came out of that initial conversation was the first Easter Sunrise service in 1937 with 250 in attendance. Attendance grew the following years into the thousands. The popularity of the Christian community gathering led to a plan which resulted in the purchase of Bald Knob in the 1950s.
By the mid-1950s, due to the tireless fundraising efforts of Wayman Presley, enough capital had been received to begin construction on what would be the largest Cross in the World. The Cross received national support when Presley was featured on the wildly popular nationally syndicated TV program, “This Is Your Life”. He took a leave of absence from his postal service position to throw himself completely into the project. His vision garnered the support of nearly every Catholic and Protestant denomination and drew people together from every walk of life. Farmers and bankers, college presidents and African American blacksmiths, all joined together to insure the success of the vision.
The formal groundbreaking ceremony was held in conjunction with the 1959 Easter Sunrise Service. The Cross was completed in 1963 when the last of over 900 heavy gauge steel panels with a bright white porcelain veneer was affixed to the framework creating a spectacular sight which could be seen for 7500 square miles at night after it was illuminated with 40,000 watts of lighting. The Cross quickly became the most popular tourist attraction in Southern Illinois, attracting visitors from all over the world.
CHALLENGE –
In the years following, the Cross began deteriorating physically as interest in the organization itself waned. In the early 2000s disputes arose among board members resulting in litigation. In 2006, the Court ordered the properties be locked down until the proceedings were concluded. Without any maintenance, the Cross fell even further into disrepair.
On Christmas Eve of 2008, a settlement supported by both sides of the conflict was reached. All current board members stepped down and the court appointed a temporary transitional board comprised of mostly religious leaders in Southern Illinois. The seven member transitional board initially met in January 2009 and began work immediately. The Cross superstructure was analyzed by a structural engineering firm, repairs were made; and the entire framework stripped and sealed. To date, approximately $150,000 of repairs have been COMPLETED and PAID IN FULL. In addition to the physical restoration of the monument, organizational progress has been successful as well. On February 9th, 2010, at the Annual Membership Meeting, with significant representation from both sides of the former litigation, a completely new set of By-Laws was adopted UNANIMOUSLY, positioning the corporation on a firm legal footing for the future. Fiscal policies are in the process of being adopted and program development aspects are underway as well.
The entire restoration program has been executed UNDER BUDGET, due in large part to the sacrifice of so many. The final phases of the restoration are yet to be completed. $220,000 is currently in the bank. However, an additional $180,000 is needed to purchase the new exterior panels, granite facing stones, and lighting. If funds are available, the Cross will be completed by July of this year!
STRATEGY -
In keeping with Wayman’s vision to give everyone an opportunity to take ownership of this magnificent monument, the Board of Directors is asking you to help raise the remaining funds needed to fully complete the restoration project. Together, we can restore Bald Knob Cross beyond its former glory.
On Palm Sunday, March 28th, 2010, we are asking every church in the region to receive an offering of $1 for every man, woman, and child in their church. There are thousands of churches in our tri-state region and potentially hundreds of thousands of worshipers. If every church and every person does just a little … just one dollar … the funds will be available to complete the Cross by THIS SUMMER. But it won’t happen without your help.
Support One for the Cross in your church and in your community.
Every Church
One person
One dollar
ONE FOR THE CROSS!
Send donations to:
Bald Knob Cross
c/o Farmers State Bank
Alto Pass, Illinois 62905
MEMBERSHIP -
In addition to “One for the Cross”, a membership drive is underway. Any person can become a full formal partner and member of the organization with a $50 donation ($75 for married couples). Just send your donation with a note requesting membership to the address provided or join online with a secure donation. Visit us at:
www.baldknobcross.com