Bald
Knob Cross
A
symbol of peace located in Also Pass, Illinois
Painting of Bald Knob
Cross
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.
