If you are ever on I-40 going through Texas and find yourself around Groom, Texas you cannot miss what is billed as the largest cross in the western hemisphere. This cross can be seen miles before you get to the exit which will take you to it. Once you exit I-40 you go about 1/4 mile south and then about 1/2 mile west. There is another exit about a mile west of the exit we used, as well., so if you use that exit you would go about 1/4 mile south and about 1/2 mile east. Sorry, I didn’t pay attention to what number the exits were, but they were both Groom, Tx. exits.
Once you make this exit you are in for the most awesome experience of your life. If this site does not move you spiritually then I don’t know what would..
The Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ is more than the Cross. It is also life size bronze sculptures depicting the journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary, His Death and Resurrection. The sculptures are done by an artist in Amarillo, Texas and are not yet complete but a work in progress.
With the Cross in the middle, these bronze sculptures circle the perimeter. There are fourteen stations. Each station with a sculpture(s) and a bronze plaque describing the meaning of each sculpture(s) with reference to Bible verses where you will find what the Bible has to say about each part of His journey.
The stations are as follows:
First Station: Jesus is condemned to death. There are the figures of Jesus and Pilate with Pilate seated, washing his hands in a bowl of water. Mark 15:14 and Mathew 27:24
Second Station: Jesus carries the cross. There are figures of Jesus and a Roman soldier placing the cross on Jesus shoulders. Philippians 2:7
Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time. Figure of Jesus on his knees with cross. Isaiah 63:5
Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother Mary. Figure of Jesus and Mary on her knees. Luke 1:48 and Revelation 12:5
Fifth Station: Simon helps Jesus. Mark 15:21
Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Mathew 25:27
Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time. 1 Peter 2:24
Eighth Station: Jesus comforts the women of Jerusalem. Two women figures and Jesus. Luke 23:27-28
Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time. Psalms 22:15-16
Tenth Station: Jesus is striped of his garments. Figures of Jesus and a Roman soldier. John 19:23 and Psalms 22:19
Station Eleven: Jesus is nailed to the cross. The wood cross is lying on the ground with Jesus on top of it and nails are being driven into his wrist . Psalms 22:17-19
Station Twelve: Jesus dies on the cross. Luke 23:46
Station Thirteen: Jesus is taken down from the cross. Zachariah 12:10
Station Fourteen: Jesus is laid in the holy Sepulchre. Mark 15:46
On the east side of the monument is a Tomb For The Unborn. This place of honor is dedicated to the Sanctity of life—in loving memory of the innocent victims of abortion. Jeremiah 1:5
On the west side of the monument is steps of Calvary with a cross in the walkway as you approach the steps. At the top of Calvary is three crosses. The middle cross is Jesus with reference to John 3:14-16. The cross on the right holds the unrepented thief with reference to Luke 23:39 and the cross on the left holds the repented thief with reference to Luke 23:40-42.
We were there during the daylight hours but these crosses are lighted at night and it is said if you see this at night it is an experience you will never forget. I am here to say that seeing it in the daylight hours is also an experience you will never forget.
Also on the west is a small building which holds an exact replica of the Shroud of Turin, thought by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
The Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ took eight months to complete and had to be transported forty miles from where the frame was constructed.
Measurements of the Cross Of Our Lord Jesus are:
Total height: 190 feet (19 stories)
Total width: 110 feet (11 stories-arm span)
Total weight: 2- 1/2 million pounds (1,250 tons)
Steel Tubular Frame Construction:
16″ X 16″ X 5/8 ” thick wall tubing. (Largest square tubing available in the world)
7″ diameter pins, weighing 300 pounds each. Use to pin cross to foundation.
(The force to sheer these pins is equivalent to force required to lift the Space Shuttle at Cape
Kennedy.)
Cross is 12 feet by 12 feet in Cross section.
Cross is wrapped in 26 gauge “white” steel siding.
Cross has a maintenance ladder extending to the top.
Cross has maintenance floors every 10 feet throughout height of Cross.
Cross is illuminated by 2- 1500 watt metal halide fixtures.
Cross foundation consisted of concrete from 65 truck loads from Amarillo, Borger and Pampa poured in one single day.
Foundation excavation consisted of a 25 foot by 32 foot by 20 foot deep cavity.
Foundation reinforcing consisted of 80,000 pounds of 1-1/4 inch diameter rebar which demanded 6,00 welds to assemble to a height of a 2 story building.
The Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ is open to all Christian denominations and organizations and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. God’s chosen builder for this project was Steve Thomas. It is hoped that when you visit the Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, you will find spiritual nourishment, strength and hope as you meditate beside the life size sculptures.
This site is far from finished. Future plans are for: A Chapel. An empty tomb with a bronze sculpture of an angel in front. Many gardens with Biblical scenes in life size bronze. A visitors center with theater, library, religious articles, etc.
There is now a small building housing spiritual memorabilia such as tapes, cd’s and pamphlets and books that you can purchase. They also have a guest book that they would like for you to sign before leaving. Donations are appreciated, which help to continue construction.