The Crosses of Mount Wesley
The most iconic landmark of Methodist Encampment is the two crosses on the summit of Mount Wesley, the white Lighted Cross and the Bolivian Cross. The white cross can be seen from afar and marks the nearly invisible community beneath it on the hill. Both crosses were in place when Viola Redmond sketched her map in the mid-1950s.
The Bolivian Cross
“Made in Bolivia out of “iron wood,” a very hard, durable wood, the Bolivian Cross was a gift from the youth of Bolivia to the youth of the Southwest Texas Conference as a symbol of their shared love of Christ.
The Rev. Albert Merubia, originally of Bolivia, was instrumental in coordinating the project. It was shipped by boat to the Texas Gulf Coast and was erected at the top of Mt. Wesley atop a pile of prayer rocks/stones in 1950. In return, 2 years later, a cross was constructed of Mt. Wesley cedar and sent to Bolivia. It has become a tradition at Mt. Wesley to pick up a rock/stone at the bottom of the hill, say a prayer over it and walk to the cross in silence and leave your rock/stone at the foot of the cross. In 1993 the benches were constructed as an Eagle Scout project.”
The Eagle Scout benches have now been replaced with new ones, still rustic and camp-like. Usually at Easter there is a sunrise service at the Bolivian Cross. And it is a favorite gathering place for residents of Methodist Encampment to view astronomical events such as comets, the transit of Venus, and eclipses of the Moon and Sun.
Local Art
From its inception, Methodist Encampment has been a place where many residents were inspired to express themselves by decorating their homesites with works of art and nods to Hill Country Nature, often whimsical. This tradition continues to the present day, and here is some of what you will see if you stroll through its narrow hillside lanes.
Seasons
This Section and those which follow will be populated over the course of Methodist Encampment’s Centennial Year. The Sections are listed here, some with a seed photo, and an invitation to send your photographs or ideas for the different categories to the Administrator at MethodistEncampment@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your contributions!
Nature
Bob’s Birdhouses
The Gardens of Methodist Encampment
It can be a vegetable garden or a flower garden or a pollinator garden or a rock garden. It can be big or tiny. It can be this season’s or from decades ago. It can be carefully tended or lackadaisical. It can be xeriscaped or watered. Methodist Encampment has a diversity of gardens complimenting the natural environment and enriching the lives of all who pass this way. Here are a few examples to enjoy. May they inspire you to share photographs of your own garden in the neighborhood…or create one.
