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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: May 10, 2008

Gulf Coast Worship Center will hold a dedication ceremony May 18 for something that is already a favorite landmark for many local residents.

The 160-foot-tall white cross rising up from behind the church's sanctuary has been catching the eyes of drivers along Little Road for about six months already. By day it glows with reflected sunlight, while at night a spotlight makes it shine like a beacon of inspiration. Even Gulf Coast Worship Center's pastor, the Rev. David Arnold, has been moved by the sight of the cross.

"I was on Little Road, driving to church for Sunday service," Arnold said. "It was a stormy, overcast day."

As he approached the church, he saw the illuminated cross shining through the gloom, and its visual power struck him.

"I just thought, what a great message," he said.

What Arnold knows and some people may not realize is the giant cross is actually a wireless mobile phone tower.

About a year ago, Arnold said, a Tampa-based cell tower construction company called Vertex Development contacted him about putting a tower on church property. Arnold initially wasn't too keen on the idea but said he would be if the tower looked like a cross.

Not a problem. The explosion in use of cell phone and other wireless communications devices in recent years has meant more and more antenna towers have been needed. Even though they have become more prevalent, utilitarian cell towers have never caught on as a civic fashion statement.

In order to get past objections, several cell tower builders around the country, including Vertex, have developed creative forms of camouflage for the towers, which have the antennas mounted inside the structure. Often reflecting the local culture or landscape, towers are often built to resemble various types of trees. In Arizona, one was built to look like a giant cactus.

Closer to home, a tower in the East Lake area resembles a giant flag pole and sports a large U.S. flag.

Depending on the design, the artistic flourishes can increase the cost of a tower by as much as double. On the other hand, instead of protests and delays, many of the towers, including the cross, are embraced by their communities.

Other churches have contacted Arnold to offer their compliments, some wondering how they might get one. He said when he's about town, people recognize him as being from the church with the big cross, and they always have compliments, as well.

It's even drawn a few people to the church.

"It has surprised me," Arnold said. "It has roused interest in a healthy way. We haven't had multitudes, but seven or eight people have come and checked us out."

The cross has been a source of pride for the congregation, Arnold added. It has contributed to the church's identity and fits in with its slogan, "Presenting the Message of Christ in the 21st century."

It has also contributed financially to that cause. T-Mobile/Vertex pays the church a monthly land-use fee. The money goes into the church's missionary fund, Arnold said.

In the future, if other wireless service providers also decide to place antennas on the tower, they would also pay a fee.

The idea for a dedication ceremony came from church member Judee Grodesky. Something should be done to acknowledge the overwhelmingly positive response the cross has received, she suggested.

Arnold said the dedication will be simple and held right after the church's usual 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

Gulf Coast Worship Center is at 10534 Little Road, just north of Jasmine Road. For more information call 727-868-2089.

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or klowry@suncoastnews.com.

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