Dr. Hal Kitchings serves as the senior pastor at Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi. In his time at the church, he has cast a vision for a 150-foot giant cross on the church’s property.
“There [are some crosses] in other states, or at least one in another state, that is taller than 150 feet,” Kitchings told KCRG News. “So it’s not like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna get the tallest cross in the world ‘cause we want attention.’”
Mississippi Church Dedicates Giant Cross Before Good Friday Service
While Kitchings claimed the church’s aim wasn’t to have the tallest cross in the state, that’s currently the case. Kitchings wanted the cross to be seen from nearby Interstate 55. In order for it to be seen above tall treetops, designers determined that the cross would need to be 150 feet tall. “The Haven Cross” weighs 52,000 pounds.
Those in the church and surrounding community were invited to help dedicate the cross Friday morning before a Good Friday service. Kitchings explained that the cross helps him and his church fulfill the Great Commission. He mentioned how Jesus commanded his disciples to spread the gospel around the world. Kitchings wants the cross to be a symbol of hope.
“We’re excited about it,” Kitchings said. “I know that in the Bible, we shouldn’t be surprised that people push back because in 1 Corinthians 1:18, it says, for example, ‘The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.’”
The cross costs $200,000 to design and build. Additional funds will need to be dedicated to a special lighting system that would enable the structure to be lit at night and be seen 24 hours a day.
Some community members are questioning the reasoning behind spending that amount of money on a cross, rather than a specific mission to help others in need.
The church posted photos and said, “A few pictures from today’s service. We had great participation from our church and community. Thank you! #goodfriday2024.”
Despite the challenges and critiques of such an endeavor, there is plenty of support for the cross from those local to Brookhaven.
One person shared, “I love seeing that cross when I come off the exit.”
“Such an awesome dedication,” mentioned another.
