The cross on the top of Moffley Hill is a beacon of hope and faith for many, and it recently inspired a community effort to make needed repairs to some of the LED lighting on the landmark.
This work restored it to its full brilliance.
"The cross has been with us for so long, sometimes I think we take for granted how much of a landmark it really is," said Joe Ruscio, a member of the Divine Mercy committee.
For almost two years, that non-profit committee attempted to organize repairs to the LED lighting on the cross, which is located directly beside St. Basil Catholic Elementary School. The cross has stood since 1960 when it was built adjacent to St. Mary's College, which in 1961 became St. Basil Secondary.
Although the cross is located adjacent to Catholic school board property, it is intended to be enjoyed by people of all denominations within the Christian faith.
When the $50,000 upgrade from fluorescent tube to LED lighting was installed in 2014, it was estimated to last about 30 years, but two sections began failing just over a year ago.
On Nov. 1, a group of local contractors, including Steel Speed Cranes and Classic Signs, came together to repair the lighting on the south east horizontal section and the north west vertical top section of the cross. Rising 120 feet over the landscape, specialized cranes were required to safely conduct the repairs.
"From time to time, we'll see sections of light go out and then we make arrangements for electricians and whoever else to to go and service it," said Ruscio.
Michael Gassi volunteered to plan and oversee the repairs. He was a student at St. Mary's College in the 1970s and said he has fond memories of attending many gatherings at the base of the cross.
"The cross is a symbol of our faith, in Jesus Christ and lighting up the sky, specifically behind our home. In our community it is inspirational and very special to our Christian faith communities," said Gassi.
Planning the repairs included coordination with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board to ensure the work was completed during hours when students were not on the property.
Gassi said it took about two hours to set up the cranes and approximately 30 minutes for the repair work to be completed.
"It was a little chilly, but there was no wind and a lot of people are happy with the repair," said Gassi.
The work could have been completed on Oct. 23, a week earlier than the Nov. 1 repair, but high winds necessitated a postponement.
Now, for the first time in a few years, the cross once again gives off its full brightness when lit every evening.
A detailed history of the cross was published earlier this year by SooToday reporter Darren Taylor.