Bald Knob Cross
A symbol of peace  located in Also Pass, Illinois
Map to Bald Knob Cross  Painting of Bald Knob
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Return


     Bald Knob Cross, completed in 1963, was built through the generous contributions of thousands of people from the United States and other countries. As a national symbol of faith in God, the Cross has been erected to help strengthen the spiritual fiber of America. The Cross stands 111 feet tall. When illuminated at night, it can be seen over on area of 7,500 square miles. 

     Bald Knob Mountain is the most prominent elevation in the Southern Illinois Ozarks, which extends across the state from river to river approximately 50 miles north of the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Surrounded by the rugged scenic  beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, Bald Knob rises more than 700 feet above the valley below. Each year, the thousands who visit Bald Knob Mountain express wonder at the magnificence of the setting.

 

 

 

Sunrise Service 

     Wayman Presley and Rev. William H. Lirely, while on their way home from Easter morning worship in 1936, agreed that Bald Knob Mountain would be the ideal place for an Easter Sunrise Service. In 1937, they met with 250 of their friends and neighbors for the first Sunrise Service. Everyone was so impressed with the service that they voted to make it an annual event. We thank Mr. Presley and Rev. Lirely for the efforts they've made to keep a continuous service fro so long

Bald Knob Mountain Recreation Center

     Bald Knob Mountain Recreation Area is interdenominational and available to all religions groups. It is a highly spiritual area. Any worthy group with high standards can use the area and it's facilities by complying with the ground's rules. It may be used for conferences, retreats, encampments, church meetings, prayer meetings, weddings, memorial services, etc.

     It is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose shall be to develop, maintain, perpetuate and administer its facilities on Bald Knob Mountain and to promote activities to be used by all persons for the enhancement and enrichment of human values in terms of the beauties of creation, nature and spiritual inspiration. There is no fee, but contributions toward maintenance and development are welcome.

Welcome Center

     The present Welcome Center was constructed in 1981 after the original building was destroyed by fire in October, 1980. The building was competed in stages as money became available to do so. Snacks, souvenirs, gifts, information and rest rooms are available at the center.

     The Welcome Center is staffed by volunteers who willingly give up many hours each season to welcome the many people from all over the world who visit the Cross area on Bald Knob Mountain.

Description of the Cross

     The base of the Cross is 1,034 feet above sea level. The Cross Stands 111 feet tall, is 22 feet square at the base, 16 feet square at the top, and it's arms extend horizontally 63 feet.

     A foundation of  730 tons of reinforced concrete goes down 20 feet to bed rock. Steel framework weights 170 tons, and the additional supports and covering are estimated to weigh another 30 tons. The Cross is engineered to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour. The covering is made of Illinois Marble at the base and heavy reinforced porcelain steel panels above. 

A History of the Cross

  • 1937 First Easter Service

  • 1938 First Wooden Cross on Bald Knob

  • 1939 First Lighted Cross

  • 1945 Present "Three wooden Crosses" erected.

  • 1948 - 1951 Three years spent securing 116 members at $100.00 each to form the Bald Knob Christian Foundation and purchase the site.

  • 1951 Bald Knob Christian Foundation, Inc. Chartered by various efforts to raise funds to build the Cross.

  • 1952 Sufficient funds on hand for base. Heavy base poured and reinforced on which to erect Cross.

  • 1955 Secured bank loan to finance national publicity. Campaign conducted, including Mr. Presley's appearance with some of our Board members, Rev. W. H. Lirely, Myrta Clutts and Jim Deal, on Ralph Edwards' TV program "This Is Your Life"

  • 1956 - 1958 Sufficient funds for our purpose not being received, this period spent in securing additional funds, chiefly through the "Pig Program".

  • 1957 Architect engaged.

  • 1958 Announcement construction would start this year.

  • 1959 Bids opened in February and contract let. Construction started March 30th, following ground breaking ceremonies Easter morning. Steel frame completed.

  • 1960 Neon lights put around steel framework of Cross.

  • 1963 Cross finished

  • 1973 Save the Cross Committee organized.

  • 1976 Cross of Peace Foundation organized.

  • 1980 Custodian's home and concession stand burned.

  • 1982 Custodian's home rebuilt

  • 1983 Planning for Passion Play begins

  • 1984 -1986 Bald Knob Passion Play

  • 1990 Wayman Presley, a founder of the Cross, dies at age 93.

  • 1991 New road surface completed.

  • 1992 Rev. William Lirely, a founder of the Cross, dies at age 87

  • 1994 Myrta Clutts (Pig Lady) dies at age 90

  • 1996 Vinyl siding, new windows and carpet installed in Welcome Center.

     More about Bald Knob Cross www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Paradise/6726/