Why A Cross?

Wayside Christian Mission’s new location at 120 West Broadway has a new symbol that reflects the ministry of the Mission.  The new cross is made of aluminum with baked white enamel paint, giving the appearance that it is mortared into the brick work of the north side of the structure.  At the old Market Street location, a cross stayed on day and night lighting up a 2nd floor window of the former men’s shelter and more recently women’s shelter.  Desiring to reflect in a symbolic way the nature of the Mission and the ministry that is practiced, we decided that a simply Christian cross should be located in a prominent location.  Traveling south on Second Street from the center of town the cross becomes easily visible to the commuter.  It is a symbol that our community can be proud of as it helps to convey the compassion of the people of our city.  Someone asked, “why a cross?”  Wayside is a Christian ministry, classified legally as non-profit 501(c)3 religious and charitable organization.  We have our roots in this city’s communities of faith and we embrace and minister to all people, without regard to religion, color or socio-economic standing. Since the cross has been placed in the center of the operation, many supporters have smiled and commented that this is a basic type of ministry that Christ would have us to do.  We plan to light the cross in the near future and hope it will continue to be a symbol of hope for all who share its meaning, most importantly for those who enter our doors. Wayside continues to operate a hotel at the Broadway site due to obstacles placed before us by the BOZA board and Planning and Zoning of Metro Louisville.  We hope that those in positions of decision will stop the discrimination and the attempts to control where people can stay during times of difficulties.  We are conducting weekly chapel services in the meeting rooms of the hotel and invite groups to hold Bible studies and support groups for our hotel guest.