By Staff
NILES - The Old Rugged Cross volunteers planning the historic site's 2007 calendar need your help.
Both color and black and white photographs are welcome. Prints, slides and digital photographs may be submitted. Digital photographs must be at least 300 dpi. Submit photos by June 15.
To have photos returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for that purpose. Photos sent to the Old Rugged Cross Foundation (P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120) without a return envelope will be retained in the Foundation's files and considered for use in the museum portion of the historic structure when it is restored and opened to the public.
The 2007 calendar will be the site's fourth annual photographic depiction of the one-acre Historic Site. Each month's calendar page typically includes one or more photographs. The calendar also includes photographs on the front and back covers.
The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site includes the church where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time in 1913.
The church is a Registered Michigan Historic Site. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also is an Official Project of Save America's Treasures. The facility is being restored as closely as possible to its 1913 appearance. The restored facility will serve as a museum and community center for special, scheduled events such as weddings, funerals and community meetings.
The Site also includes the half-acre Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden. The Garden is available for picnics, weddings and other special scheduled events It also is available for unscheduled meditation.
The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site is located one block south of Pokagon Highway in Pokagon, just east of Highway M-51. Pokagon is half way between Niles and Dowagiac.
For more information about submitting photos for consideration, call 269-683-4540. Information about scheduling group site tours also is available by calling that number, or by writing to the Old Rugged Cross Foundation at P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120. Or, inquire by e-mail: orcf@aol.com. The Foundation's internet site is www.the-oldruggedcross.org.