Motorists traveling on Interstate 40 can’t miss three magnificent crosses near the Appling Road exit leading to Bellevue Baptist Church. The center cross is 150 feet high; the other two crosses are 125 feet.
In June of 1999, the Headrick Company was commissioned by Bellevue to construct what was then the largest trio of crosses in North America. Engineered to withstand 70-mph winds, each cross is constructed of four pieces of structural steel and angle iron painted white.
An unforgettable ceremony held to dedicate and light the crosses took place on New Year’s Eve, 1999. As the clock ticked down the final moments of the millennium, the Bellevue family worshipped at the foot of the cross. At the stroke of midnight, the crosses were illuminated, shining as a brilliant testimony of Christ’s sacrificial love.
In September of 2008, the three crosses became the central image in Bellevue’s logo, indicating that sharing the story of the cross is Bellevue’s central mission and purpose.
When Bellevue moved to Cordova, it was said that truck drivers passing the large church campus referred to it as “Fort God.” Today the landmark crosses tell the world of Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice at Calvary, leaving no doubt that Bellevue is indeed a mighty fortress for God.
“I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to drive up on Sunday night and see those crosses illuminated against the sky. I am in the mood to worship when I get there. They say—come in and hear about Jesus.” –Dr. Adrian Rogers