Listen to this article
Over the years, the cross at the Sierra Del Mar divisional camp in Ramona, California had survived storms, wildfires and arid desert condition.
Finally, however, sometime between Christmas 2004 and New Year’s Day 2005, the cross gave way to the elements, falling to heavy rains and strong winds. At the time, the camp was closed and staff was away on vacation.
A new cross was commissioned from H & H Steel Enterprises, based on the size of the original, which was a wood structure with a fiberglass coating. With regular, normal maintenance, the new steel cross is expected to last for generations.
Sierra Del Mar Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien commented: “Because the cross is central to our mission and ministry we were pleased to dedicate a new cross, weighing 4,000 pounds, with a 15 foot wide expanse and 38 feet in height, placed on a mountain peak overlooking the camp.” The dedication occurred during the divisional music camp, late one afternoon. “To the delight of staff and campers,” continued O’Brien, “Camp Manager Dave Patton and Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary Captain Steve Ball arranged for the cross to be bathed in light as the camp concluded its evening program and campers returned to their cabins.”