I found this cross in the Panhandle where 140 MPH winds blow. It’s on the Old Mother Road, historic Route 66, in Groom, Texas just off Interstate 40′s Exit 112, about 42 miles east of Amarillo. The cross is free standing, weighs 1,250 tons (2,500,000 pounds), is 190 feet (19 stories) tall. It can be seen 20 miles away. It is said to be the second largest cross in the western hemisphere. Steve Thomas had it erected in 1995 and is run by Cross Ministries, a non-profit, organization.
I took pictures of the life-size bronze sculptures depicting Christ’s Last Supper, journey to Calvary, crucifixion, and empty tomb. They are positioned around its base; parts are unfinished. The Empty Tomb, the Angel, the Fountain of Living Waters, and the Tomb for Unborns are nearby. There is also a replica of the Shroud of Turin.
I invite you to accompany me on a roadside pilgrimage.
The Last Supper
Station One: Jesus Is Condemned to Death
Station Two: Jesus Carries His Cross
Station Three: Jesus Falls the First Time – NO PHOTO
Station Four: Jesus Meets His Mother
Station Five: Simon Helps Jesus
Station Six: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Station Seven: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Station Eight: Jesus Comforts the Women of Jerusalem
Station Nine: Jesus Falls the Third Time – NO PHOTO
Station Ten: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Station Eleven: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross for His Sins
Station Twelve: Jesus Dies on the Cross (Calvary)
Station Thirteen: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross
Station Fourteen: Jesus Is Laid in the Holy Sepulchre
Post Script. Since the cross is built on private property and is neither a public nor government funded attraction, the ACLU can make no issue of it. We should all have the right to express our beliefs. Our ancestors came to this country for religious freedom. Pray this right is not diminished.
Amen.
I took these pictures with a Casio EX-Z29 that I’m reviewing. Do you like the pictures as much as I do?
on Aug 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
These pictures are wonderful. It is a tribute to the man who took our sins upon himself. I am so glad it is private land and the ACLU can do nothing about it.
That is a pretty great camera you are reviewing.
on Aug 6th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Marj,
Thank you for the compliments. We all nededx to think about God more and ourselves less. It may be on private land, but I still worry. I thought my civil rights included freedom of speech and religion. Hope Casio sees the pictures. I took more this trip–wish I could keep it.
Pat.
on Aug 8th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
There is another cross like this near Effingham, Illinois off of highway 70. These crosses are truly beautiful.
on Aug 9th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Kelly,
I learned of it while writing about the Groom Cross. I undersgtand it was inspired by the one in Texas.
Pat.
on Aug 12th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Oh wow. I’m in Texas, near Dallas, and I have never heard of this place. Wow.
on Aug 12th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Tori.
Blame the ACLU. What it giveth it also taketh.
Pat.
on Aug 25th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
The pics are great- but the statues are amazing. Thank you!
jill.watkins@gmail.com
on Aug 25th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Jill,
Next time I pass–if I do–I will allow more time. It was inspiring.
Pat.