Christus Statue

Huntsville's Oakwood Cemetery is home to one of only five copies in the United States of sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen's renowned statue, "The Cristus", known informally as "The Comforting Christ." The original of what many consider the most beautiful statue of Christ ever sculpted is located in a cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This world class work of art was commissioned by Ben H. Powell II, a young Huntsville lawyer, and his wife Mamie to honor their young son, Rawley, who died at age 5 following a tonsillectomy. The grief-stricken but financially struggling parents saved and placed a gift of money on the Christmas tree each year in memory of Rawley. When oil was discovered on family land in 1933, the newly prosperous Powells traveled to Europe where they saw the statue and decided a copy would be the perfect way to honor their son. They commissioned a full-size copy in bronze, and it was placed it in the family plot in 1934.

Be sure to read the poem by Sidney Lanier on the side of the pedestal since it explains the setting.

Getting There

Oakwood Cemetery is located at 9th Street and Avenue I.

The statue if difficult to see from a distance because the green patina of the bronze blends with the greenery of the woods.To locate the statue, follow the walkway from Sam Houston's grave to the east until it intersects a paved roadway. Continue straight ahead a short distance on the roadway until you see a broad path between the grave markers on the left, which leads to the Powell grave site at the edge of the woods.

You can also enter the cemetery via the roadway from 9th Street and park just before the right turn. Walk past the turn until you see the path to the left. Follow the path to the statue.

You can also tap "Directions" above and use your smart phone's mapping app to find the location and obtain directions.

Hours

Oakwood Cemetery is open during daylight hours only.