New Jesus statue erected at Solid Rock Church

MONROE, OH (FOX19) - A new statue of Jesus was erected at Solid Rock Church in Monroe on Wednesday, ending a two year absence of the religious icon at the church.

The old 'Touchdown Jesus' statue, as it was called, burned to the ground in June 2010 after it was struck by lightning.

"I don't believe God took it down because he was displeased with it," said Solid Rock Church administrator, Ron Carter. "I think sometimes we try to spiritualize too much and it was just a lightning strike."

The new statue already has a nickname - "Hug me Jesus."

"The statue shows an embracing Jesus. A Jesus that is reaching out to people," said Carter.

The 51-foot statue will be dedicated on Sept. 30 followed by a service and fireworks display.

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