"Scary Jesus" is gone!

Those of you who have traveled with me, or by yourself, between Humboldt and Bells (perhaps on your way to Memphis) may remember passing this lovely yard ornament affectionately known among my circle of friends and acquaintances as "Scary Jesus". A local landowner, presumably in the spirit of roadside evangelism, created a welded-metal depiction of a crucified Jesus. With its exposed metal ribs and rust arms hanging from the cross, it was truly disturbing (especially on seeing it the first time). Some comic relief was provided by the kneeling cowboy and horse silhouette beneath the cross.



I remember the first time Lindsay saw it while we were traveling to Memphis in November 2006. She said, "What the hell is that?" Of course, I immediately stopped and turned around so she could get a better look. Since then she's warned me sternly not to slow down.



In the past few months it appears that someone has begun construction on what seems to be a church on the site. A new building was erected behind and to the right of Scary Jesus. It seems to be a metal frame building. Lots of earth work has been done (perhaps to prepare a parking lot).



I passed by the lot Friday last week and notice that SCARY JESUS IS GONE. No, Scary Jesus didn't climb down from the cross. The whole tableau is missing: no cross, no Jesus, no kneeling cowboy and horse. I'm hoping Scary Jesus will be back; it's certainly a conversation starter (and sometimes stopper).



The small pictures here don't really do it justice. Click the pic for a larger version.





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