Driving along I-10 in Texas as you ascend upon the city of Kerrville, you will notice a giant cross situated on the hilltop. “The Empty Cross,” TM, at The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden isn’t just a landmark; it’s a place where art intertwines with faith, inviting travelers and seekers to pause, reflect and connect. Whether you’re chasing spiritual solace or need a peaceful retreat for reflection, this free, unique spiritual oasis is a must-stop on your travels. Join me as I share my journey through this sacred space and tips to make your visit unforgettable.
A Divine Vision
On 8/22/02, an artist named Max Greiner, received a phone call from a stranger stating God was calling Max to create a resurrection cross sculpture 77’7″ tall overlooking Interstate-10. After praying about the phone call, Greiner received a divine vision of a cross-shaped garden, 300 ft long, with sculptures in the inner court and sculpture tiles inscribed with the gospel, in multiple languages, being read by tourists as they approached the cross.
Max was told by God on 12/3/03 he would be given land at the main entrance of Kerrville off of Interstate 10. On 09/16/05 a small group of believers gathered on the land and prayed to God, if it was his will, to provide land for the spiritual garden. Hershel Reid was one of the people gathered, praying. He asked God if his family was to purchase the 23 acres of land for the garden that he see a hawk in the sky. His prayer was instantly answered as almost a dozen Northern Harrier Wild Hawks hovered overhead. The next morning, Hershel Reid purchased the land for $500,000 as he believes this is one of the most purest methods of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Inspired by Greiner’s faith and his sculpture “The Divine Servant,” TM depicting Jesus washing Peter’s feet, the garden’s purpose is to promote Jesus Christ while bringing him honor and glory. Thousands of documented miracles have occurred at this free, non-denominational Christian park that is built on faith in God, without tax money, professional fundraisers or debt to bless visitors and honor God.
Our Visit
It was an overcast day with a light drizzle. The Jordan River Waterfall greeted us at the entrance to The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden, symbolic of the Israelites crossing over into their Promised Land. To our left “The Coming King” TM bust sculpture, donated by Max Greiner Jr., stands mighty depicting Jesus Christ returning in glory at the end of time, as a mighty warrior and king. Continuing up the driveway on the right-hand side are 3 sculptures in a cul de sac. “It is Finished,” TM donated by David and Michelle Broussard. The last three words Jesus spoke before He gave up His Spirit. “Mary, Mother of Jesus,” TM donated by Monte and Beverly Paddleford. The sculpture is of Mary in her later years, reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus, clutching the crown of thorns to her chest. The statue is designed so a person can become part of the sculpture and sit next to Mary. “12 Stones,” designed by Max Greiner Jr., honors the first twelve major donors who made it possible, by their generous giving, to enter the “Promised Land” of this Sculpture Prayer Garden. There is a small parking area next to “The coming King” TM sculpture to park (not big enough for a RV) and marvel at all 5 masterpieces or continue up the driveway to the gift shop on the right-hand side (RV parking), park and walk a few steps to see the sculptures. We continued up the steep driveway to the top of the Garden to park since we left the RV at Kerrville-Schreiner Park where we are spending the night and drove here. We have a 3500 Chevrolet dually and parked without any problems in the upper parking lot. There is space available for RVs and/or oversized vehicles during regular hours of operation near the Gift Shop/office. You would then need to walk up the large hill to the main part of the sculpture garden. There is no overnight parking.
Entering the Garden
We walked up a few steps to the start of the 300′ cross-shaped garden built on top of a hill overlooking interstate 10. The garden represents the inner court of the Jewish Tabernacle. The garden is twice the length of the original Tabernacle Moses built that was laid out in the shape of a cross. The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden is located approximately halfway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on Interstate 10 at the same latitude as Israel.
The first thing I noticed was the 16″ “scripture tiles” in the ground, written in Spanish, English and German. This is known as the “Path to Heaven” guiding visitors to the cross. There are 77 scriptures sharing the gospel of the old and New Testament bible verses presented in logical progression.
Leading to the 77’7″ cross are the first 39 scripture tiles preparing visitor’s hearts for an encounter with God. The other 38 scripture tiles spread throughout the inner court share the concepts of Christian discipleship. Lining the “Path to Heaven” are 42 Big Tooth Maple trees known as the “found maples,” because we are no longer lost but found our salvation in Jesus Christ. Each fall the color of the leaves change making this a popular tourist attraction peaking the last two weeks of November.
The first sculpture you come to at the beginning of the garden is the 700lb bronze “Fisher of Men” TM donated by Max Greiner Jr. Each sculpture featured in the garden displays a bible verse explaining the art to help reinforce the Gospel message presented along the “Path to Heaven.” As I continued walking down the path reading the embedded scripture tiles in the ground, I approached the next sculpture, “The Coming King,” TM Jesus Christ Returns in Glory. A 5000lb bronze sculpture donated by Max Greiner Jr. The sculpture stands in the middle or crossroads of the garden and is surrounded by a fountain of water used for baptisms. A walk to the right of the Cross Garden leads to the sculpture “Divine Servant,” TM Jesus washing the feet of Simon Peter John; a 12000lb bronze sculpture donated by Max Greiner Jr. A Walk to the left of the Cross Garden leads to the sculpture “The Great Commission.” TM The word, the world and the rock is a 600lb bronze sculpture by Max Greiner Jr. All the sculptures located throughout the Sculpture Prayer Garden are used to communicate major biblical truths.
The Empty Cross
At the top of the Garden stands the most symbolic cross in the world, “The Empty Cross.” TM A 70-ton Cor ten sculpture donated by Max Greiner Jr. The Cross is a symbol God has provided to mankind to visually remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by Jesus Christ for each of us. “The Empty Cross” TM makes the point that he is risen, and we are serving a “living” Christ, in which his blood shed made this possible.
Geometry and Biblical numbers are used on “The Empty Cross.” TM The most holy number is seven, and the trinity of holy numbers is 777. The cross in Kerrville is 77’7″ tall with the center space measuring 7′ wide and weighting approximately 70 tons. The cor-ten steels reddish-brown color symbolizes the blood shed by Jesus Christ. The Cross was symbolically “scourged” or sandblasted before it was raised. The pores of the metal skin were opened and allowed to rust in a controlled manner or “bleed” as it’s known in the industry. Before Jesus was crucified, he was scourged, which released his blood prior to being raised on the cross.
As I came upon the “The Empty Cross” TM I could hear music playing in the background. At the foot of the Cross, the Bible verse John 3:16 is what I first saw. Once I entered the 7′ wide space of “The Empty Cross” TM known as the Holy of Holies, I encountered four large plaques, each displaying a prayer. I became humbled with tears flowing down my cheeks as I felt God’s presence surrounding me. The Cross sits on a 10′ x 10′ square footprint like the Ark of the Covenant. This is where many souls have been saved, multiple miracles have happened, and lives changed forever.
The Resurrection, The Way, The Strong Tower, The Narrow Gate, The Light, The Mighty Fortress, The Door. As Jesus is described in the bible with multiple titles, names and metaphors, many of these names can be found in “The Empty Cross” TM. “The Empty Cross” TM isn’t just a sculpture- it’s a beacon of hope and an open door for all to experience.
The Prayer Path
God’s rock garden-The Prayer Path, is the winding trail surrounding the 300′ cross shaped garden (Inner Court) with thousands of prayer rocks inscribed by visitors with messages to God. The idea of the “Prayer Path” was never planned but inspired by the Holy Spirit. The stones are tangible expressions of love God’s children have for their Creator. All prayer rock requests are prayed over one time a week by a team of TCKF prayer Intercessors.
One Nation Under God
Along another path in the garden we found the sculpture “One Nation Under God,” TM donated by David and Michelle Broussard, symbolizing God’s redemption plan for Christians and Jews to worship the one true God of Israel. “One Nation Under God” TM is made with 613 nails in the shape of the Messiah’s Cross representing the 613 laws found in the five Books of Moses and the old Testament Torah.
Hope
Continuing on the path is “Hope,” TM a life-size bronze sculpture donated by Monte and Beverly Paddleford, and an anonymous Kerrville donor, speaks to families who have lost a child due to abortion, miscarriage, accident or other causes. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ is the Comforter.
The Lion of Judah
Symbolizing Jesus Christ, the Messiah of the Jews, is the “Lion of Judah” TM. Jesus Christ, the mighty “Lion of God,” the Warrior King, is returning to judge and make war for those who have rejected his love and hurt his children (Revelations 19:11). After praying “in the spirit”, seeking God for details regarding the garden, God gave Max a composition featuring a magnificent, life-size male lion, and the Ten Commandments. God also showed Max the various names of God to be inscribed around the sculptures base, along with other key scriptures identifying Christ as God. The larger-than-life lion sculpture is based on the dimensions of the largest male lion in Africa with an additional 5% added for God. The lion is referenced in the first and last Books of the Bible, Genesis 49:10 and Revelation 5:5.
Plan Your Visit
The Coming King Sculpture Garden is located at 520 Benson Drive, Kerrville, TX, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country off Inerstate 10, Exit 508. They are open to the public 365 days a year, 7am-10pm, and admission is always free but donations are appreciated.
The Garden is wheelchair accessible with a dedicated parking lot for hadicaped parking.
The main walking path is completely concrete paved. The side paths are constructed of crushed granite.
Portable Toilets are available, of which two are handicap accessible. There is one Portable Toilet outside of the Gift Shop & Gallery. The nearest public restrooms (climate-controlled) are at the nearby gas stations and fast food restaurants.
Dogs are welcome and allowed on a leash, and as always clean up after your pets. There are trash bins located around the garden.
There are no concessions available so bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen and anything else you may anticipate needing. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the serenity of the garden. Please put your trash in the garbage bins located throughout the garden
Bring a marker and write on the prayer rocks that are in the designated prayer rock stone bins. Take the markers with you and do not leave them at the prayer garden to help minimize writing on prayer benches or graffiti on the sculptures.
The Garden is well lit at night with street lights that come on at dusk.
How Long Should I expect to be Here
Allow about 30 minutes to see the first five sculptures at the front entrance, which is named “THE JORDAN RIVER CROSSING.”
Allow at least 15 minutes to see the massive “LION OF JUDAH” bronze sculpture, as you reach the top of the hill.
Allow at least an hour to see the seven sculptures on top of the hill. You will also want to allow time to experience the magnificent, 77’7” Cor-ten steel sculpture, “THE EMPTY CROSS” located at the end of the 300’ cross-shaped garden.
You may want to stop at the donor art gallery and gift shop, located in the “Outer Court” at the bottom of the hill. This unique store features the small and large artwork of the three donor artists: Beverly Paddleford, David Broussard and Max Greiner, Jr. The gift shop is open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days per week. Call 830-285-7329 for exact hours as there may be seasonal hour changes.
Many visitors stay much longer to meditate, pray and worship God. One man from Arizona spotted the cross from the highway and stayed 42 days, because the presence of God was so strong!
We stayed about 2 hours before it started to really rain. I needed more time at this “beautifully overwhelming” Spiritual Garden, as one visitor so eloquently described this serene place.
A Must Stop
The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden is more than a Kerrville landmark- it’s a soul-stirring pause when traveling along Interstate 10. With the blending of faith and art, you feel like you are part of something bigger when you walk among the gallery of sculptures that bring biblical stories to life. This is an ideal stop to take a spiritual break: conveniently located off Interstate 10 with parking for RV’s and larger rigs, located next to gas stations and restaurants, and nearby RV parks. There is even a Cracker Barrel located on the other side of the freeway for possible dinner and an overnighter. Next to the Cracker Barrel is the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau open 7 days a week with varying hours. They provide trip-planning resources, souvenirs, a clean restroom and even an EV charging station.
Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal or a scenic break, this “beautifully overwhelming” garden is a must stop for RV travelers. Have you stopped here on your journey? Share your story in the comments. Visit thecomingkingfoundation.org for more details and hit the road to discover this Hill Country gem!