Easthaven Church in Brookhaven dedicated the massive cross on Good Friday.
The cross, dubbed the “Haven Cross”, is one of 14 crosses of such magnitude scattered across the state, the most recent being built in Aberdeen. Hundreds attended the formal dedication ceremony. The 150-foot-tall cross, which cost approximately $200,000, was erected on the church’s property and is visible from Interstate 55.
Speaking at the dedication service, Jim Futral, executive director/treasurer emeritus of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, said, “I can’t think of a ‘gooder’ place to be on Good Friday than at the foot of the cross, reflecting on the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and for me.”
Easthaven Pastor Hal Kitchings said many people in the community donated to the project, some anonymously, others in memory or honor of loved ones….and in some cases people who attend other churches. In one of those instances the person gave 65 thousand dollars to the project.
Kitchings is fond of quoting 1 Corinthians 1:18, which is written at the foot of the Haven Cross: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”