Dear Editor:

Throughout West Vir-ginia, sets of three prominently-positioned crosses on hillsides are familiar sights to many of us. Nearly 2,000 sets were constructed throughout the United States in the mid to late 1980s by the late Bernard Coffindaffer of Craigsville, W.Va. The purpose of the larger, center cross is to remind us of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, where He shed His Blood, and His subsequent death, burial, and resurrection, all for our sins. The other, smaller crosses remind us of two others who were crucified that day; one thief who rejected Jesus Christ and another thief who recognized his helpless condition, turned from his sin, and placed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

The crosses were constructed on properties whose owners graciously permitted their construction. Many of these owners have maintained them over the past two decades. Some, however, are now in desperate need of repair.

Crosses Across America, Inc., under the direction of Sara Abraham of Vicksburg, Mississippi has initiated the task of maintaining the crosses throughout the United States. Much of the restoration efforts to date in West Virginia have been coordinated by Dick Marsh of Tacy, Barbour County. With their blessing, we are pleased to organize a local, state-wide group for the purpose of maintaining the 350 sets of crosses in West Virginia. This group will serve only to connect property owners with interested individuals and churches. No funds will be received by or disbursed from this group.

An organizational meeting will be conducted very soon. If you have an interest in being a part of this effort or if a cross is located on your property, please provide us with contact information, preferably by electronic mail at sbuchanan@alphaaec.com by Friday, July 24, 2009.

Steve Buchanan

Morgantown, W.Va.