Last week I posted about Cadillac Ranch on the west side of Amarillo. Once ou get through Amarillo, headed east, you come to a giant cross near, the town of Groom. Naturally, since I was by myself, I pulled off I-40 to check it out.
The cross is 190 feet tall. It was installed in 1995. In addition to the big cross their are other artworks on the site depicting the stations of the cross, the last supper, an empty tomb, a gift shop and other things. The name of the site is “The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries.” Hit the link to go to their web site. The cross and other attractions are free and there is plenty of parking.
The site was built by Texas oilman Steve Thomas and his wife Bobby. The story is that he always wanted to be a missionary but liked staying home so he built this because of its proximity to Interstate 40 and Route 66. So people come to him in a sense.
The Last Supper installation with the replica Calvary Hill behind it.
St. Michael the Archangel defeating Samson.
It’s a nice, restful stop, (complete with restrooms) and is nicely done. And if you are into such things there is a geocache on the property (yes I found it.)
As an aside, Steve Thomas built the site on land owned by another man, Ralph Britten. Mr. Britten is the owner of another attraction in Groom, the leaning water tower. The tower was built this way to publicize the Britten Truck Stop which is long gone. The water tower still stands today and is a long time Route 66 attraction.
So now you know all about Groom, Texas.
I’m linking with Skywatch Friday and My Corner of the World
…the Britten waer tower is a bit out of plumb!
Beautiful skies today – the huge cross is an interesting spot on the expressway. I hope they have benches for folks to stop a while.
If I’m ever out that way I will definitely stop in Groom. There’s a huge cross in St. Petersburg, Florida that I love. I like that water tower too!
Wow! Awesome sky shots with the amazing cross juxtaposed a magnificent sky ~ Great photos!
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Great pictures.
Hermosas estatuas. Te mando un beso.
I really like the sculptures and the cross. I would stop if I’m passing that way.
The water tower photo’s sky is very pretty. The cross? So big it’s rather scary to me! Ominous and looming.
Samson?
That’s certainly a change from the Cadillac Ranch. I like the statue of Saint Michael.
Beautiful shots.
I like the statues but that cross is bit of an overkill imho. Nice photos though.
Thanks for the walk around this great place 🙂
Great place, Amazing photos.
Beautiful skies and photos. The statue is cool.
Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
Lovely photos. I like the huge cross.
Can’t miss it when driving by it. Is that Samson or Satan? Samson was a judge that lost his hair to Delilah.
Never heard of Groom Texas.
Coffee is on, and stay safe.
Another roadside attraction to see. I enjoy things out of the usual- bathrooms are always a plus. You found some interesting ones on your reunion trip.
Great to see! You certainly saw some interesting sights on your trip. Those skies are breathtaking.
A very large cross, I almost thought the sculpture was st george defeating the dragon.