Desert Christ Park Yucca Valley, California
Christ Park Yucca Valley, CA | Photo from Pinterest
Nestled within the vast expanse of Yucca Valley is the revitalized Desert Christ Park, which has been a magnet for both spiritual travelers and art aficionados for several decades.
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This divine retreat close to Joshua Tree sprang from the vision of the devoted Reverend Eddie Garver. He dreamt of it not just as a religious site, but as a beacon radiating hope and symbolizing global unity. In the mid-20th century, with the backing of the US government, Garver was bestowed with 5 acres on an isolated hill, which provided a sweeping vista of the encompassing valley.
Christ Park Yucca Valley, CA | Photo from Pinterest
The park's journey began in earnest in 1951 with the unveiling of its first biblical figure, an event that garnered widespread media interest. The backstory is equally intriguing. The previous year, Frank Antone Martin, a gifted sculptor and poet hailing from Inglewood, California, faced a setback when his proposal to position his grand 10-foot, 5-ton Christ statue at the Grand Canyon was declined. Sensing an opportunity, Reverend Garver reached out to Martin, offering a sanctuary for the "spurned Christ" on his designated land. Despite having multiple alternatives, Martin felt a connection to the Yucca Valley. The awe-inspiring statue was transported from Los Angeles, journeying through the Desert Highway, and was ceremoniously revealed on a poignant Easter Sunday.
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Over the next decade, leading up to his demise in 1961, Martin showcased his artistic prowess by meticulously crafting over 35 statues, employing a mix of plaster, steel, and concrete. Among these masterpieces is a colossal 3-story, 125-ton bas-relief representation of The Last Supper. To enhance the visitor experience, a special window was integrated behind Christ's head, accompanied by a platform, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to immortalize their moments alongside this divine representation.
Christ Park Yucca Valley, CA | Photo from Pinterest
However, as years rolled on, the park faced challenges. The devastating Landers earthquake in 1992 wreaked havoc, stripping many statues of their external layers and exposing their inner metallic skeletons. The "Blessing of the Children" figures, especially, showcased the scars of time and neglect.
But hope was not lost. The park's dedicated followers established the Desert Christ Foundation, with a mission to restore and rejuvenate the iconic figures. Their unwavering commitment and efforts bore fruit, and by the close of 2019, the park shimmered with renewed grandeur, its statues resurrected to their original glory, standing as testaments to faith, resilience, and artistic brilliance.
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