<P> Bald Knob Cross, officially known as the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, is a large white cross located in Alto Pass, Illinois, United States . The structure is 111 feet (34 m) tall . The base of the cross is 1,034 feet above sea level and overlooks the Shawnee National Forest . Originally completed in 1963, the cross itself stands 111 feet tall, is 22 feet square at the base, 16 feet square at the top and its arms extend 63 feet horizontally . The exterior white panels covering the cross are 4 - inch architectural flat insulated metal panels while the base portion is covered in granite approximately 4 - inches thick . The structure sits on a foundation of 730 tons of reinforced concrete that goes down 20 feet to bedrock . The steel framework weighs approximately 170 tons . Each of the four sides of the cross have a word inscribed into the granite: Peace, Hope, Faith, Charity . </P> <P> Bald Knob Mountain was first suggested as an excellent site for a sunrise Easter service by Wayman Presley and Rev. William Lirely after the 1936 Easter service . The first such service was held in 1937, with 250 attendees, and has been held annually since . From 1984 to 1986 there was a Passion Play held in conjunction with the Easter service . </P>

Bald knob cross of peace in alto pass illinois