Florence cross dedication set for Friday

Published 9:50 am Thursday, April 2, 2015

CROSS DEDICATION: Carroll Berry, left, and his wife, Grecian, watch the 110-foot tall, 25-ton cross as it’s lifted into position in front of their business recently. The cross will be dedicated Friday.

CROSS DEDICATION: Carroll Berry, left, and his wife, Grecian, watch the 110-foot tall, 25-ton cross as it’s lifted into position in front of their business recently. The cross will be dedicated Friday.

A giant cross raised last month along U.S. 49 in Florence will be dedicated on Good Friday.

The program begins at 11 a.m. in front of Berry’s Seafood Restaurant, 2492 U.S. 49, where the 110-foot tall cross was raised March 21.

The project was sponsored and financed by Vicksburg-based Crosses Across America and Carroll Berry, owner of the restaurant.

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“We want to invite everyone to join us on the day for Christians when the symbolism and sacrifice made on the cross is the strongest. Having our dedication on Good Friday is the final step in making this project a true example of faith and community,” Crosses Across America director Sara Abraham said.

The cross came to Florence after Brandon officials said its construction would violate zoning laws. Berry volunteered his land and contributed $85,000 — about half the cost — to fund its construction.

The dedication is expected to last about a half hour and include a butterfly release at the culmination. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held under the portico of Berry’s restaurant, Abraham said.

Those attending the ceremony are asked to bring a chair for seating.

A large group of dignitaries including Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper are expected to be in attendance.

On Sunday, the cross will be featured on national television.

CBS News Sunday Morning has come to Florence twice to film the cross project and interview those responsible for it. The footage of the cross project along with a feature segment on Crosses Across America, Inc., ill run on CBS News Sunday Morning beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday.