Oskaloosa Church of the Nazarene
By ANDY GOODELL June 1, 2011 The Oskaloosa Herald
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OSKALOOSA — It’s kind of hard to miss.
On Tuesday, a 30-foot-tall stainless steel cross was placed at the front entrance of the First Church of the Nazarene’s new campus on the west side of Oskaloosa.
The cross, which is also approximately 18 1/2 feet wide, was made at Kelderman Manufacturing, just outside of Oskaloosa. Kelderman Manufacturing President Gary Kelderman said it took about two weeks to complete the cross project for the First Church of the Nazarene.
The cross received a law enforcement escort from the Kelderman Manufacturing facility east of Oskaloosa on it’s way to the church’s new campus. Childers said the trip from the manufacturing facility to the church was not a hasty one.
Kelderman, who attends Childers’ church, said three people at his facility worked on the cross. One of these folks included Levi Taylor, who completed 150 feet of TIG welding on the project. Kelderman said this kind of welding requires a great amount of skill.
“It’s one of those deals where you have to do everything right the first time,” said Kelderman of the cross project.
The cross, which Kelderman said weighs between 16,000 and 17,000 pounds, was erected in front of the First Church of the Nazarene’s new campus by noon on Tuesday.
The church is slated to host it’s first Sunday service 10:30 a.m. June 19.