Rancher plants tribute to Christ on his Bandera County property
In an effort to honor Jesus, a Texas rancher expresses his faith by changing the skyline of Bandera County.
bq.. PIPE CREEK A wealthy rancher’s quest to create a timeless tribute to Jesus Christ took shape Tuesday as a 100-foot steel cross was erected on one of Bandera County’s highest peaks.
_”I’m a strong Christian and I think we need a Christian icon in this part of the country,” said L.L. “Dave” Davis as welders and crane operators assembled the 15-ton cross on his ranch._
An amphitheater, restrooms and floodlights will be added in coming months at the site, which overlooks the intersection of Texas 16 and Texas 46.
Davis plans to host church services, pilgrimages and drop-in visitors at the shrine, but details about public access to the 600-acre ranch have yet to be worked out.
_”The ultimate goal is to honor Jesus,” said the 73-year-old Davis, who resides in the Dominion. “That cross ought to be here 1,000 years.”_
p. As it is with actions that boldly declare someone’s faith, this jesture also has some vocal opposition. Some area residents are not thrilled with the project or have been unmoved spiritually by the cross.
bq.. At the nearby Pipe Creek Junction Cafe, owner Don Lee said customers greeted the imposing new landmark with a mix of derision and humor.
_”People move out to the country for their freedom,” he said. “They feel that this is America, and you should keep your stuff to yourself.”_
p. The rancher has an appropriate response to this criticism.
bq. Davis responded that people “are free to look at it or not look at it.”
p. [ Full Story @ mySA.com ]
p(small). Source: My San Antonio© 2003 KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News
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Filed under: By Example
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