In a heartwarming display of faith and community spirit, Chicago’s Daley Plaza is set to host the 18th annual “Cross on the Plaza” event, featuring a towering 19-foot wooden cross that will be erected just in time for Easter. This cherished tradition not only marks the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ but also serves as a powerful reminder of hope and renewal for Christians across the city.
The cross will be unveiled on Thursday, April 18, and will remain on display until April 22. This year’s festivities will culminate in an interdenominational Easter Sunday sunrise service on April 21 at 6:01 a.m., inviting all to gather for a morning of worship, music, and prayer. The event, held at 50 West Washington Street, is expected to draw a diverse crowd of believers eager to celebrate one of Christianity’s most significant holidays.
Easter is a time when Christians around the world commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, who is believed to have risen from the dead on the third day following His crucifixion. This pivotal event is not just a historical account; it symbolizes the essence of Christian faith—hope, renewal, and salvation. The holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, and traditions such as sunrise services honor the moment when the women discovered the empty tomb.
The “Cross on the Plaza” has become a beloved local tradition, representing a public declaration of faith in a vibrant urban setting. The cross itself has been meticulously crafted by local residents Karl and Nancy Fritz and their family, symbolizing the hard work and dedication of the community. As Karl Fritz stated, “All are welcome to come to Daley Plaza to observe the cross during setup for the sunrise Easter service and throughout its weeklong presence.”
This year, the event is organized in collaboration with several local organizations, including the Thomas More Society and City First Foundation, which aim to foster unity and faith among attendees. Tom Brejcha, president of the Thomas More Society, emphasized the importance of this event as a constitutionally protected expression of religious belief in a public space. He noted that the “Cross on the Plaza” stands as a response to the growing secularism in America, echoing sentiments expressed by the late Rev. Richard John Neuhaus in his influential work, "The Naked Public Square."
Despite the joy surrounding the event, the “Cross on the Plaza” has faced criticism from groups such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which has contested the display since 2014. In response to the Christian cross, the FFRF has erected its own secular installation at Daley Plaza during Holy Week, promoting secular values and encouraging dialogue about the role of religion in public spaces.
It’s a fascinating dynamic—on one hand, you have a community coming together to celebrate their faith, and on the other, a push for secularism that challenges the visibility of religious symbols in public. As the Easter season approaches, it serves as a reminder that faith, hope, and community will always find a way to shine through, regardless of the surrounding discourse.
So, whether you’re a believer looking to celebrate the Resurrection or simply curious about this vibrant display of faith, the “Cross on the Plaza” promises to be a significant and uplifting event in downtown Chicago. Join in the celebration, and may this Easter bring renewed hope and joy to all.
For more information about Easter traditions and celebrations, check out resources from Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition.