Cross in the Woods Facts for Kids

Cross in the Woods

The Cross in the Woods is a special Catholic place located in Indian River, Michigan. It's a very important site, so much so that it was named a national shrine on September 15, 2006.

This shrine is famous for its huge crucifix, which is a cross with a figure of Christ on it. Standing 55 feet tall, it's the second largest crucifix in the world! The biggest one is 60 feet tall and is in Bardstown, Kentucky. The largest Christian cross overall is in Spain, measuring a massive 492 feet (150 meters) tall.

The Cross in the Woods has become one of Michigan's most popular places to visit. The main attraction is the giant wooden cross with a bronze figure of Christ, created by the artist Marshall Fredericks. The site also has outdoor and indoor churches, many smaller shrines, and even a unique nun doll museum. The Cross in the Woods is open every day of the year, and church services are held daily. Each year, between 275,000 and 325,000 people come to visit this special shrine.

History of the Shrine
Other Shrines at the Cross in the Woods
Stations of the Cross
Nun Doll Museum
See also

History of the Shrine

How the Cross in the Woods Began

In April 1946, a bishop named Francis J. Haas wanted to build a new church in Indian River. People in the area had to travel very far to attend church services. A local resident, James J. Harrington, helped find land for the new church. He found some undeveloped land in Burt Lake State Park. However, the state government first said no to giving them the land.

In June 1946, Father Charles D. Brophy became the leader for the new church. He wanted to name the church after Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. She was a Mohawk Indian from the 1600s who loved making small crosses and placing them in the woods. But Father Brophy couldn't name the church after her yet because she had not been declared a saint.

Since there was no church building, services were held in a town hall. One church member, J.J. Harrington, suggested building an outdoor church. Father Brophy liked this idea. He thought an outdoor church would be great for summer visitors. It could also help attract tourists to the area.

Building the First Church and the Big Cross

Throughout the summer of 1946, plans for the church and grounds were made. They kept asking for the State Park land. Finally, in May 1948, the state agreed to give them the land for just $1.00!

The first church was built in a "long house" style. It was designed by Alden B. Dow, a famous architect. The church was made to look out over the beautiful wooded area around it. It was finished by Memorial Day weekend in 1949. Today, this original building holds the gift shop, main office, and the nun doll museum downstairs.

After talking with Alden B. Dow, Father Brophy decided to build the world's largest wooden crucifix. It would be placed on Calvary Hill, north of the Long House Chapel. In July 1952, they got permission to start the project. The base for the Cross needed a 15-foot (4.6 m) high steel and concrete foundation. This was covered with soil to create a hill 150 feet (46 m) long, 15 feet (4.6 m) high, and 75 feet (23 m) wide.

In the summer of 1952, special redwood timber was cut in Oregon. It was shipped by train. It took two days to put the Cross together. Cranes lifted it onto its foundation on August 5, 1954, where it was secured. The Cross stands 55 feet (17 m) tall.

Marshall Fredericks, a well-known Michigan sculptor, agreed to create the figure of Christ for the Cross. This process took four years, from the first drawings to the final plaster mold. The figure was then cast in bronze in Oslo, Norway. It weighed seven tons and was 28 feet (8.5 m) tall from head to toe. It was one of the largest bronze castings ever shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. Workers carefully raised the sculpture into place on August 9, 1959. It was attached to the Cross with 13 large bolts. The formal dedication ceremony happened seven days later.

The site was first called the Indian River Catholic Shrine. In 1983, its name was changed to Cross in the Woods.

In 1992, the bronze figure of Christ needed cleaning because of weather damage. Experts cleaned, waxed, and painted it over several weeks. Since then, volunteers wax it every two years to keep it looking good.

The Holy Stairs

In 1956, 28 stairs were added leading up Calvary Hill to the base of the Cross. These stairs are called The Holy Stairs. They represent the 28 stairs that Jesus climbed to the place where he was sentenced to death.

The New Church Building

For 50 years, people prayed before the Cross only when the weather was good. The original Long Chapel could only hold 250 people. The church members wanted a larger church where they could see the Cross all year round. On June 27, 1997, their dream came true when a new church was dedicated. It can hold 1,000 people. It has large windows that let people see the Cross while they are at church services.

Becoming a National Shrine

The Cross in the Woods asked to become a national shrine. In 2006, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops agreed. It is now one of only two national shrines in Michigan. There are 120 national shrines in the United States.

Other Shrines at the Cross in the Woods

Besides the main Cross, the Cross in the Woods has many other smaller shrines on its grounds. These shrines honor important people and figures in the Catholic faith.

Our Lady of the Highway – This beautiful statue was carved from marble. It was a gift in 1957. She is the protector of all travelers who visit the Cross in the Woods.
Saint Peregrine – He is known as the patron saint of those suffering from cancer. His shrine was first built in the 1960s. It is now in a newly built gazebo.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha – The statue of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha honors Charles D. Brophy, who founded the Shrine. It is in the outdoor sanctuary, looking towards the Cross. She was important to the idea of the Cross because she used to place small crosses in the forest to create places for prayer. She became a saint on October 21, 2012.
Saint Francis of Assisi – Added in 1994, this statue is placed to the side of the Cross. It shows Francis looking at the Cross, representing him receiving instructions to help repair Christ's church. Saint Francis is the patron saint of peace and the environment.
The Holy Family – This statue is in the outdoor sanctuary. It shows the closeness of a family. It was carved by Timothy P. Schmalz and is called A Quiet Moment.
Blessed Father Michael McGivney - He founded the Knights of Columbus. A memorial for him was added in 2012.
Shrine of Divine Mercy.
Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga - He was the first bishop of the Diocese of Marquette.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross show the different steps leading up to Jesus' death. They include 14 specific events that happened before Jesus was crucified and later rose from the dead. These 14 events are shown through 14 pictures or sculptures. They help people remember what happened. At the Cross in the Woods Parish, the Stations of the Cross are located outside within the pine forest. The main part of this area is a statue of the resurrected Jesus, which is sometimes called the fifteenth Station of the Cross.

Nun Doll Museum

The Nun Doll Museum has the largest collection of dolls dressed in the traditional clothes of religious communities in the United States. Sally Rogalski started collecting and dressing these dolls in 1945. In 1964, she gave 230 dolls to the shrine. She asked that no one ever be charged money to see them. The collection has now grown to 525 dolls and 20 mannequins. They represent different religious orders and clergy. You can see them in glass display cases in the lower part of the Long House Chapel.

Cross in the Woods facts for kids

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