At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light And the burden of my heart rolled away It was there by faith I received my sight And now I am happy all the day
I’m sure more than one weary traveler has been reminded of this hymn when the gleaming white cross pierces the horizon. Visible from a distance of 20 miles, the cross at Groom, Texas rises an impressive 190 feet. The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries founder, Steve Thomas commissioned the 1,250-ton cross to be built in response to billboard signs that promoted pornography. One hundred welders, based in Pampa, Texas completed the frame in eight months and it was erected in July 1995.
While the area is a part of metropolis, Amarillo, getting there is rural highway driving, making the park a welcome stop. There is much to see. The cross is circled by beautiful ,molded, bronze figurines that represent the stations of the cross. There’s a nearly life-sized replica of the Lord’s Supper at the base of a wide staircase that leads to three smaller crosses. Underneath the backside of the staircase there is an angel watching over a walk-in tomb. Outside of the visitor center is a waterfall.
On many travels through the area, I watched the cross tower upon the horizon and disappear as I passed but I once spent part of my birthday here and have fond memories. I will make it a point to reserve time to visit in the future.
An extensive career in marketing, website and social media creation and management, project management, videograpy and more coupled with a love of road trips has led to the creation of this site. It's been around for a few years, but neglected for months at a time. I'm hoping to write more since I gave up the 9 to 5. Wish me luck! I am thrilled that you are here!
~Margaret
Bill Rice is a soon to be "official old man" who has been a nurse for over forty years, most of that in an Emergency Department scenario.
He lives in southern Indiana after being transplanted there from Texas
and New Mexico. Bill is married to the 'best person' he has ever known. Her name is Karen and puts up with more than she should, from both Bill and their two cats and nine chickens. Between the two of them they have
a total of six grown children.
Bill is semi retired and stays home to care for their farm and animals. This gives him plenty of time for woodworking projects, drawing, painting, playing drums and learning the guitar. It also provides ample opportunity for coming up with new ways to annoy his Karen.
