The congregation of the Penhold Community Church celebrated the dedication of its long-awaited Three Cross Monument, a project four years in the making.
Following its regular Sunday service on Aug. 14, more than 40 congregation members and friends of the church attended a joyous dedication ceremony to officially unveil the structure that was lovingly constructed in front of the church at 2022 Minto Street.
The idea for the Three Cross Monument was conceived four years ago for the church, which was built in 2003.
“The cross is empty, and that represents for us the resurrection of Christ, that He died on the cross. The resurrection reminds us that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ, and for us in the community it is a reminder of God's presence in the community,” said Pastor Wayne Whitbourne. “It is represented symbolically of what a church stands for, and that is God's presence and also His desire to see people come to know and believe in Him.
“It (cross) brings hope to people's lives,” he added. “It represents to us that we all believe in Jesus Christ and that He is central to us and hopefully central to many people in our community.”
Whitbourne officiated a 20-minute dedication service that included prayer, readings and hymns. That was followed with congregation member Shelley Cryer giving “tokens” of appreciation to those who made significant contributions to the project, including Proform Concrete Services and Eugene Bouteiller, a 50-year resident of Penhold.
“Eugene has done it all. He has done the majority of the actual work other than Proform coming down and using their trucks and equipment to raise it (monument),” said Cryer. “It is just a wonderful thing for our church to have, not only just to look at and enjoy, but also to be recognized as the church on the corner with the three crosses.
“Long after we have gone, this still will show this is a church that believes in the cross,” she added to the assembled as she was handing out the tokens of appreciation.
As for Bouteiller, he was humble and reserved about his financial contribution and ongoing dedication to the project.
“The cost is immaterial,” said the quiet church member. He declined to take too much credit for the monument project, noting many congregation members contributed excellent ideas. And while Bouteiller was pleased for the church and community that the monument was finally dedicated, he was grateful when the Aug. 14 service ended.
“I am glad it is over because I had to sort of think of a speech but I could not say it,” said Bouteiller.
Pastor Wayne Whitbourne of the Penhold Community Church
"It (cross) brings hope to people's lives. It represents to us that we all believe in Jesus Christ and that He is central to us and hopefully central to many people in our community."
