VIEWPOINT HOSTS EASTER SERVICE

Inspiration Point

julian — Despite the removal of three crosses at Inspiration Point near Julian, Christians are expected to assemble today at the viewpoint for an Easter sunrise service that they’ve held there for decades.

The crosses were removed from state property at the desert vista viewpoint last August after two people objected to religious symbols being on public property. a group of concerned residents started the “Save our Crosses Committee” and the issue attracted national news coverage. In mid-August, 60 area residents gathered at the crosses for a prayer vigil.

“Before, you could hardly see it from the road, but now the cross is much more visible,” said Pastor Rick Hill of Hillside Community Church. at least one of the crosses has been at Inspiration Point for decades.

Although community members say that times have changed, the fact that the crosses are no longer where they were, wouldn’t keep them from holding the sunrise service they’ve had there for more than 60 years.

The service draws up to 200 folks each Easter from surrounding areas. a guitar player accompanies singers and the message of the resurrection is told while gathered Christians face a sweeping view of the sun rising over the mountains in the east beyond the Salton Sea.

“I tell folks even if the crosses aren’t there, we’re supposed to be living the cross life,” said Pastor Mike Madigan of Calvary Chapel in Julian, which is hosting the nondenominational Christian service for the community.

VIEWPOINT HOSTS EASTER SERVICE