Jesus Statue aka The Touch Down Jesus

Standing larger than life, rising out of the small lake-like pond, the sixty-two foot stature of Jesus commanded attention. Officially named, “King of Kings” it is also known by some as the “Touchdown Jesus,” for the figure's outstretched arms, resembling someone giving the signal for a touchdown. This iconic symbol had it's home at the Solid Rock Church, in Monroe Ohio. Drivers traveling on I75 had no choice but to notice this monumental figure.

But, on June 14, 2010, this landmark was hit by lightning and destroyed by fire. When it was all over, the only part of the statue that was left was the frame at the edge of a small lake. The only reminder of what was. At the time, the Solid Rock “church leaders were vowing to rebuild the iconic “King of Kings” statue – also dubbed “Touchdown Jesus” - which alone was valued at $300.00.” as stated on the Cincinnati.com website.

But, like the real Jesus, that is not the end of the story. The Solid Rock church leaders, have decided on a different Jesus statue to replace the old one. The “King of Kings/Touchdown Jesus” is being replaced with the “Come Unto Me” Jesus statue. This one will have outstretched arms symbolically “... inviting followers to 'Come Unto Me.'” Also, unlike the original Jesus statue, this one will be a lot more visible outside of the water. This new monument will be fifty-one feet, but the additional rocks and boulders that it will be standing on will give it approximately the same height as the original.

With the hope of the Solid Rock Church's new landmark to be completed by the summer of 2011, it is sure to be an attraction that you don't want to miss. So, if you have the opportunity to drive, the now somewhat famous, stretch of Interstate, be sure to check out the progress or the completion of the new statue. And, if it happens to be a Sunday morning, stop in and visit the church.