The Cross of Christ for Starkville, a nonprofit organization, has acquired land at the intersection of Longview Road and Highway 25 South on which to build a 120-foot steel cross.
“We are very thankful to Ronnie Massey and his family for their generous donation of the land to build this cross,” said President Bob Daniels. “Our group has investigated more than 25 different locations in and around Starkville during the past two years, and none of them was suitable for various reasons. This property offers us the required space and visibility of which we were looking to establish for this symbol to honor Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.”
While finding a piece of property has been the priority, the volunteers have met monthly since its inception in 2020. The group of volunteers has raised nearly $68,000, established social media sites, developed a video, spoken to numerous groups, created a new StarkvilleCross.org website and received positive feedback for the project from 18 local churches.
Now that the location has been determined, the organization is asking people for their help to fund the construction of this cross. The location is almost the exact geographical center of Oktibbeha County, and it will represent all residents. The cross will be a tangible reminder that God came to us and provided the way to salvation for all humankind. As Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; No one comes to the Father, but through Me,” - John 14:6.
A dedication service is planned at the site for April 14.
“The large cross is being built as a symbol of God’s love and faithfulness,” said Frances Graham, one of the Cross of Christ board members. “Everyone needs to be reminded to look up. To look to Jesus Christ, an ever-present help in times of trouble. The Cross of Christ for Starkville is needed now more than ever as a symbol of hope and a reminder that he is always with us, to comfort us, encourage us, and inspire us to be salt and light to our world.”
“We are building this cross first, to honor God, to remind people they are not alone, and to create a place in the community where people can go to be inspired and reflect on God in their lives,” Daniels said.
Members of the board of directors of The Cross of Christ for Starkville include Dr. Bob Daniels, Kathy Edmondson, Allen Pepper, John Peoples, Jeff Foster, Wallace Cade, Lynn Durr, Dr. Frances Graham, Dr. J.L. Peoples, Charles Guest, Carl Ivey, Christie Lawrence and the Rev. Larnzy Carpenter.
If you have any questions about The Cross of Christ, ask one of the board members or visit our website at www.starkvillecross.org for more information.
Our hope is that The Cross of Christ for Starkville will become a beloved landmark in our community and will minister to untold individuals, families, students, visitors and strangers. If you would like to help us build the cross, we would ask you to pray, volunteer and give!
To become involved with this community outreach project, we invite you to please contact us at StarkvilleCross.org.
