THE HISTORY OF THE CROSS

Bald Knob Cross, completed in 1963, was built through the generous contributions of thousands of people from the United States and other countries. As a national symbol of faith in God, the Cross has been erected to help strengthen the spiritual fiber of America. The Cross stands 111 feet tall. When illuminated at night, it can be seen over on area of 7,500 square miles

Wayman Presley and Rev. William H. Lirely, while on their way home from Easter morning worship in 1936, agreed that Bald Knob Mountain would be the ideal place for an Easter Sunrise Service. In 1937, they met with 250 of their friends and neighbors for the first Sunrise Service.

Wayman Presleys dream soon became a reality when the first wooden cross was placed in 1938. A further 2 crosses had been placed by 1945, but he wanted a permanent cross on site.

By 1950 the land was cleared and he was gathering donations, asking people to pledge $100 for the fund.

Myrna Clutts a widow and farmer had pledged $100, but Wayman knew that she could not really afford to do it. Myrna's reply was to say how great her faith was, and that God would see her through.

Just after this, one of Myrna's pigs had a litter of 21 piglets, much larger than the average little of 7. Some of the piglets would have died due to the Sow not being able to feed all, but Myrtas dog who had recently lost a litter of puppies ended up raising 5 of the piglets.

When these piglets eventually went to market, the amount of Myrta's pledge was easily covered.

In 1955 Myrna, Wayman and Rev William Lirely went to Hollywood and appeared on 'This is your Life'. They took pictures of the piglets and their mother, and helped to raise over $1000 for the fund.

Seeing how impressive this was Wayman Presley left his job with the Post Office, and began to raise pigs himself. He raised over 1500 pigs, and added $30,000 to the Cross fund.

With enough money now to fund the building,and the ground on Bald Knob was broken on March 30,1959.

The cross was finally finished in 1963, and some time later in 1976, the Cross of Peace foundation was formed.

Wayman Presly, the founder of the cross, died in 1990, age 93. The Rev. Lirely died in 1992 , followed by Myrna Clutts in 1994, age 90.

Our first 3 cabins will be named after these wonderful people, that had a dream and saw it fulfilled.

Easter Sunrise Service is still held yearly, and is open to the public.