Bald Knob Cross
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Bald Knob Cross, completed in 1963, is a large white cross located in Alto Pass, Illinois. The structure is 111 ft tall and is visible, when lit at night, over an area of 7,500 square miles. The base of the cross is made of Illinois marble and the upper portion is covered by reinforced steel porcelain panels. The cross can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour. It is hollow, and visitors were originally able to go to the top. This was discontinued at some point before 1982. (Probably due to insurance concerns due to the deteriorating condition of the internal stairs.)
Bald Knob Mountain was first suggested as an excellent site of a sunrise Easter service by Wayman Presley and Rev. William Lirely after the 1936 Easter service. The first one was held in 1937 (with 250 attendees) and has been held annually since. From 1984 - 1986 there was a Passion Play held in conjunction with the Easter service.
After the land itself was acquired, the cross was built in stages, with various fundraisers. The most famous was that of Myrta Clutts and her pigs.
Flight students from Southern Illinois University often use the cross as a landmark because it is visible from such a great distance.
By 2008, the cross had fallen into extreme neglect and disrepair and the Friends of the Cross group is currently raising funds for a complete renovation of the cross.
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