New Cross

Gary Hoffman has fashioned a beautiful cross from a douglas fir tree donated by Gene and Connie Whitaker. They had it milled and delivered to Gary. The evening of June 30th, 2022, he transported and installed it on the grounds here just outside the sanctuary, facing directly east. Pastor Kris, Georges, Gene, and Scott had the honor of assisting him in doing so. While working, we asked him about the process of its creation. Here’s what we learned:

The mound on which it now stands was placed there two years ago, in order to allow it time to settle. Two months ago Gary and John Gray set an iron brace into a 4′ x 4′ x 3′ reinforced concrete footing within the mound. Gary had added “cradle braces”, fabricated and welded so as to give the cross lateral stability once it was bolted into place. It is most secure!

The cross itself is made from 10″ x 4″ lumber, and measures 13 feet high by 7 feet wide. Gary carved a grapevine into the base of the cross, patterned after the one featured on our weekly bulletin, which he then painted.

The cross has been treated with five coats of copper wood preservative, giving it a vibrant color, followed by five coats of marine varnish for protection, depth and luster. Each coat, after being allowed to dry thoroughly, was smoothed with steel wool before the next coat was applied. Finally, a thin coat was applied using a sponge applicator.

Stonework will be added beneath the cross in the near future, finishing the project. Sometime during our August outdoor services, we will hold a dedication ceremony.

Thank you Gary, for this splendid gift, and for all you have done over the years for our congregation.