The historic site of the big cross takes us back to the initial French colonization of the Sault in 1669. The Sault was originally a traditional North American gathering place for the first Anishinaabe people, when the Jesuits, also known as the missionary priests, first gave it the name Sault Ste. Marie, which translates to, "The Rapids of St. Mary".
Louis XIV of France, famously known as the "Sun King", wanted to hold a ceremony in North America and chose the Sault. The festival was held on June 14, 1671 and attended by about 10,000 voyageurs and more than a dozen First Nations tribes — some from as far away as Mexico.
A past Sault Star article indicates that during the ceremony, Saint Lusson claimed North America for the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of France. The group of voyageurs also pledged to live together in harmony. The cross they erected that day was a sign of this agreement. The wooden cross that was put into place 349 years ago stood for love for each other and the hope that the many different nations of people could live together in peace.
In June of 1958 members of the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario St. Mary’s College men’s club decided to commemorate the 1671 French ceremony erecting a Cross at the site on Moffley Hill.
Mike Lukenda, Mike Perepelytz and William Taylor deserve much credit. Algoma Steel, Imperial Steel Construction Co, Mannesman T and the local community contributed generously. Extending 21 feet below the ground, the 120 foot fluorescent tube illuminated cross was completed in 1960. Reputedly the tallest self supporting cross in the western hemisphere, it stands 3 feet above Montréal’s Mount Royal cross and almost 5 yards higher than the famous Brazilian mountain landmark. Sadly however deliberately broken or burned out bulbs plagued it’s operation. Though restored and relit through donations in 1981 subsequent vandalism of lighting darkened the cross for seven years before it was lowered on April 11, 1994 at the site now identified as St Basil’s Elementary.
In the process of replacing the fluorescent lighting system with more effective and economical Halcide light piping, the Cross was sandblasted, reinforced, welded and repainted. After it’s rising again on April 14, 1995 a Good Friday triumph….the cross glowed 70% brighter with 33 km visibility.
A message received through Theresa Marie Luverne on March 2, 1995 stated
“This cross will be a memorial of what happened on the first Good Friday. It will bring to mind the reason for the Cross of Calvary, a reminder of the love of God for His people and sending His only Son to die on the cross to redeem and save them.
Let the preparations be simple inviting all the people of the city to participate as a family in unity, in oneness without making distinctions. All come together as one body, all Children of God.
Let words of consecration be uttered by My Servants, My Shepherds. Let it be at sundown on the day when you recall my crucifixion. Let hearts sing out in praise and thanksgiving to your Saviour, to rejoice in He who is your salvation.
This Cross will light up the hearts of the people in the city and surrounding territory. It will be a blessing to all who look upon it and reflect on the Cross it represents……. the Cross of Calvary.
This city will be known as the city of light. For not only will the light of the Cross shine but each heart being lit up will bring much light….. the Light of Christ. In simplicity and love, come together as the family of God to praise and worship him, for by his cross you were brought to salvation”
Thus April 14, 1995….. Good Friday had been selected for an 8:30 PM ceremony of the Lighting of the Cross. Obstacles began appearing, such as ongoing high winds which interrupted the scheduled reinstallment of the cross on April 11 and unstable weather forecasted for the following two weeks. Obtaining a crane seemed impossible until a last-minute reversal made one available on the 14th. Finally all was in order…and the cross was raised the very day God specified.
Fifteen hundred (1500) joyful celebrants attended. Church pastors Rev. Earl Burke
(Christ the King, Anglican), Rev. E.J. Friesen (Elim Tabernacle, Pentecostal) and Rev. Roy McParland (Our Lady Good Councel, Roman Catholic)…..presided over the international…….. interdenominational worship service. Hymn titles sung were: Be Exalted O’ God, Amazing Grace, O Faithful Cross, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and How Great Thou Art.