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UPDATE: Giant cross finds new home thanks to compromise

Posted at 8:47 AM, May 31, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-31 09:46:26-04

For the first time in 70 years, the cross that sat atop Sackrider Hill in Grass Lake has a new home.

A lot of people were upset when the cross came down earlier this month after a Michigan-based civil rights brought it to the DNR's attention.

But now, both sides are satisfied.

"Its always nice to have a compromise," Ronald Olson, Chief of Parks and Recreation for the Michigan DNR said.

The cross was put up Tuesday at its new home at Crusade for Christ Ministries, just a few miles down from Sackrider Hill. The DNR met with the Grass Lake Ministerial Association and came to a compromise: churches are still able to hold services on the hill, if they file for a permit and bring a portable cross.

"We're not trying to be punitive or be perceived as an enemy. This is one of those things that belongs on private land, because it is a religious symbol," Olson said.

Another part of the agreement was to hand the cross over to the church. Although the community is happy it's back up, some wish it didn't have to be taken down in the first place.

"I'm a little disappointed in the whole thing, like I said everyone has their own religion and their own beliefs and I believe that it should stay," Grass Lake resident David Brief said.

Others agreed.

"I'm really grateful a church has it. Its a beautiful cross and on Easter Sunday they like going up to the Sackrider Hill. It might be a little different now because its over there but I'm pretty sure a lot of people are happy and so am I," Arline Cline said.

Pastor Melvin Parker of the Crusade for Christ Ministries said in a statement to News Ten about the cross:

"This is not a loss, but rather an opportunity. Our faith is not the cross that was removed from Sackrider Hill, but rather in a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Community members are also coming around, telling FOX 47 they hope the cross can stay in its new place.

"I think it should stay up this time and not be torn down," Breif said.