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Some of the best times are to be had at of the most prominent attractions in certain cities.
Would you ever visit Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower?
But sometimes, it’s the lesser-known attractions that beckon me. Yes, I would never miss the Eiffel Tower, but you’ll also find me at the Sewer Museum…did you even know there was one in Paris?
After a day of driving around Joshua Tree National Park, I was searching for something else to occupy my time. There were many attractions to experience in the Palm Springs area, but I had learned of a quirky attraction out in the desert.
The Desert Christ Park.
From Palm Springs, it is a short drive along Highway 62 to Yucca Valley, the town named after the yucca palm or as many know it, the Joshua Tree. Not far from the main road, I found the park’s entrance next to the Living Hope Church.
While most people (like myself), imagine that the park is affiliated with the church next door, I learned very quickly that it is not.
After parking my car, I discovered a park volunteer sitting at a picnic table painting bricks with names. Friendly and welcoming, she directed me to the kiosk to learn a bit about the park’s history, however, quite the talkative individual, she gave me a brief overview.
Desert Christ Park was established in 1951 with the collaboration of Reverend Eddie Garver and sculptor, Antone Martin. Martin, an engineer from Inglewood, California, decided to create statues of Christ out of steel-reinforced concrete. After designing a 10-foot, five ton “resurrected Christ” he planned to install it on the rim of the Grand Canyon as a symbol of peace to all mankind…the government decided otherwise. Searching for an alternate location, he was offered a place on Reverend Garver’s five acres on the southern facing slope of the valley. Since the Reverend’s vision was to create a Christian-themed park, this was the first step in achieving that dream.
The “unwanted” Resurrected Christ was brought to its current location one week before Easter in 1951 and the Desert Christ Park was dedicated on Easter Sunday. More snow-white sculptures, portraying scenes of Christ’s life and teachings, followed during the next ten years, including a three-story, 125-ton facade depicting the Last Supper. While the first three statues (the “unwanted” Christ, the Tomb and the Last Supper) were placed in the area behind what is now the Living Hope Church, the remaining statues were relocated next door to the present day park.
After finishing my conversation with the nice volunteer, I made my way through the park, enjoying each of the setting’s statues. The pearl-colored effigies against the bright azure sky and yellow desert sand were a stark contrast, yet, as I stood amongst them, I realized how quiet and peaceful the entire environment was. Only the sound of birds in the trees, their branches brimming with small, hanging birdhouses, filled the air, until the crunch of sand beneath my feet sounded as I walked between the scenarios.
Matthew 26:17-30
When the evening came of Christ’s last supper, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
In the “Garden of Gethsemane,” on the hillside, Jesus kneels in prayer before his crucifixion, while his disciples Peter, James, and John slept.
John 4:4-26
Jesus reveals himself to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.
Matthew 5:1-16
This is the most famous sermon Jesus gave including his teachings.
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hand upon them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Luke 10:38-42
Jesus visited; Mary listened to Jesus while Martha prepared food. Martha complained about doing so much while Mary was not and Jesus said to her that learning his teachings was more important and wouldn’t be forgotten.
With upraised hands, Christ is blessing all the people.
Finally, I made my way behind the church. As I gazed upward toward the acclaimed “unwanted Christ” sitting high on the hill, I decided that I was going to take a closer look. Noting the semblances of trails leading up to the statue, I resolved to find the best one amid the loose gravel and scrub. With a little perseverance, I finally stood at Christ’s base, contemplating his outstretched hands, while he admired the beauty of his creation in the valley below!
Luke 24: 50-53
Jesus lifted up his hands and blessed the Disciples, then began rising into the sky, and went into heaven.
At the base of the hill, I observed the “Tomb” which is a depiction of the resurrection of Christ. Three statues stand outside the Jesus’ vacated tomb and an armless Mary Magdalene stands in disbelief inside the vault.
Mark 16:1-7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go anoint Jesus’ body. An Angel Proclaimed “He is risen.”
Nearby, the Rock Chapel, designed by Frank Garske in 1954, captured my attention. In the shape of a star, the chapel is constructed of large, native stones. A sign on the door refers visitors desiring to use the chapel, to contact officials at the Desert Christ Park or the Living Hope Church for admission. Because of unauthorized use and disrespect, the doors remain locked, even during the park’s opening hours, however, I was able to slide my phone through the crack between the doors and snap a photo of its modest interior.
The park is operated through donations, grants and the work of volunteers. As I walked through the garden, I discovered what the bricks being painted by the volunteer, that I had encountered at the beginning of my visit, were used for. Used to line some of the walkways, the bricks highlight the names of those who patronize the facility. Overall, the park’s grounds are kept up, but the statues are showing some signs of wear, due to being exposed to the elements and the earthquake of 1992. Regardless, Desert Christ Park attracts thousands each year for personal walks, weddings, picnics, photography or to simply experience its peace.
Peace…that was Antone Martin’s sole desire when he sculpted that first statue.
The Unwanted Christ.
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Desert Christ Park
- https://www.desertchristpark.org/
- Address: 56200 Sunnyslope Drive, Yucca Valley, California 92284
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, approximately 0700-1800, daily
- Admission: free, donations accepted
