Easter crosses increasing in state

At least 25,000 wooden crosses will top the hillsides of Alabama this Easter as simple yet powerful reminders of the crucifixion and resurrection.
   
“The thing that inspires this is the whole idea of instead of having Easter bunnies and eggs all over the yard, to have a cross to show the real meaning of Easter,” said Jack Watson, a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills.
 
“Last year we had 15,000 to 20,000 crosses [across Alabama] go into yards and this year there will be even more,” said Gene Murray, a Green Valley Baptist Church, Hoover, member who helped begin the effort.
   
The crosses are used by numerous denominations and spread from Birmingham to Montgomery and beyond. The crosses become an instant tool for evangelism. 
   
The crosses are up Palm Sunday through Easter. (TAB)