Bald Knob Cross facts for kids
The Bald Knob Cross, also known as the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, is a very tall white cross located in Alto Pass, Illinois, Illinois, United States. It stands 111 feet (34 m) tall. The base of the cross is 1,034 feet above sea level, offering a great view of the Shawnee National Forest.
The cross was finished in 1963. It is 111 feet tall, 22 feet wide at the bottom, and 16 feet wide at the top. Its arms stretch out 63 feet across. The outside of the cross is covered with white metal panels, and the base has thick granite. The whole structure sits on a strong foundation of 730 tons of concrete, reaching 20 feet deep into the ground. The steel frame inside weighs about 170 tons. On each of the four sides of the cross, a special word is carved into the granite: Peace, Hope, Faith, and Charity.
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Why was the Bald Knob Cross built?
The idea for the Bald Knob Cross came from Wayman Presley and Rev. William Lirely. After an Easter service in 1936, they thought Bald Knob Mountain would be a perfect place for a sunrise Easter service. The very first service was held there in 1937, with 250 people attending. Since then, this special service has happened every year. From 1984 to 1986, a play about the Easter story was also performed during the service.
The land for the cross was bought, and the cross was built step by step. Money for its construction came from many fundraising events. One of the most well-known fundraisers was organized by Myrta Clutts.
How is the Cross used today?
The Bald Knob Cross is so large and visible that it is often used as a landmark. For example, students learning to fly at Southern Illinois University use the cross to help them navigate because they can see it from far away.
Today, the cross is a popular place for visitors. Many improvements have been made to the area around it. There is now a remodeled welcome center and gift shop. An observation deck has also been added, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful views.
What happened during the restoration of the Cross?
Around 2006, there was a disagreement among the people managing the Cross. This led to a two-year period where the site was not easily accessible. During this time, the Cross started to show signs of wear and tear.
To help, some community members formed a group called "Friends of the Cross." They started raising money to fix and restore the Cross. In 2008, the disagreement was settled, and new leaders took over. This new group worked to make sure the organization was strong again, both legally and financially. Thanks to the "Friends of the Cross" and the new leadership, the Bald Knob Cross was fully restored and improved.
Bald Knob Wilderness
The Bald Knob Cross is next to the Bald Knob Wilderness. This is a special area protected by the U.S. National Wilderness Preservation System. It covers the western side of the mountain where the cross stands.
37°33′07″N 89°20′47″W / 37.551959°N 89.346429°W
See also
In Spanish: Bald Knob Cross of Peace para niños
