The Lighted Cross, Middlesboro, KY

Excerpt from the book ‘The Lighted Cross’ by Catherine Mayes.

Middlesboro is such a unique setting for a bunch of wires and light bulbs that are strung together to be lit up as a cross. That is why the lighted cross is truly another remarkable sign. Harrison was always working to do another kind of sign that would remind others of the teachings of God.

The lighted cross is located on a steep hillside on Sixth Street, on private property. The lighted cross is directly lined up with the town’s main traffic artery, Cumberland Avenue. As one travels east on Cumberland Avenue, the cross seems to just be hanging up there in the air. Actually, the lighted cross rests about ten feet off the ground. Because of the steep hillside, the lighted cross creates an illusion that it is hanging in mid-air just down the street a little way from wherever you are on Cumberland Avenue. The lighted cross can be seen traveling west to east on Cumberland Avenue for about two miles. It is quite impressive, no matter how many times one notices it.

No matter the weather, the lighted cross shines triumphantly on the distant hillside. Daddy Mayes created and placed the lighted cross on the old Kelly property at the time is was first lit. Mr. Kelly and Daddy Mayes worked at the Fork Ridge Mines together. They shared rides with another miner and I bet there was a lot of "talking" going on about the new electric cross sign.

Also, a dear next-door neighbor, Stanley Williams, helped Daddy Mayes with the electrical aspects of the sign. Mr. Williams, an electrician, helped wire up the lighted cross and create the proper box and timer for the new sign.

The lighted cross was placed on Sixth Street about 1950. For a period of time Harrison and Lillie paid the electric bill to keep the sign lit. Later years, citizens would give donations to help pay the electric bill.

Daddy Mayes had a dear friend, Johnny Morrison, who helped maintain and care for the lighted cross up on the steep hillside. Daddy Mayes’ failing health kept him from doing the "upkeep" on the lighted cross and other signs as well. In 1983 Mr. Johnny Morrison passed away. Someone was needed to keep the lighted cross lit!

The old saying, "like father, like son!" So, it goes. Johnny’s son, J.R. Morrison takes care of the lighted cross and does a remarkable job to keep the sign in "top-notch" shape. During the tornado that hit Middlesboro in May, 1988 the fallen trees crushed and destroyed the cross sign. J.R. took on the rebuilding project, restored the sign himself and now Middlesboro citizens can continue to enjoy the lighted cross. Isn’t it wonderful that people like J.R. can pick up the broken pieces and put things together again? We are thankful the lighted cross can be lit many hours every night for all to see. Hopefully, the lighted cross will always shine for Middlesboro. It is such a special sign!

The size of the lighted cross measures 120 foot long, 60 foot across the arm section. The sign uses 82 small 40 watt bulbs. The bulbs are rough surface bulbs. A supply of extra bulbs are always on hand to replace the burned-out bulbs.

Truly, the lighted cross of Middlesboro is another wonder! Thanks to our Daddy Mayes and his special skills to do things that make us want to follow the Cross. Daddy Mayes placed the lighted cross so that it was in line with the old state highway, 25-E, that came down Cumberland Avenue. He knew a lot of travelers would "see" this very different and unique electric "lighted cross sign."