Let's Learn More About "The Cross Man"

Carl Willard Larson (CWL) was 'The Cross Man." He devoted his life to serving the Lord and was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up in Rockford Illinois. His parents came from Sweden and were very active in The Salvation Army. He went to be with the Lord on July 25th, 2014, at the age of 94. CWL always lead by example and expected nothing in return.

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At 90 years of age, his eyesight dimmed and his hearing challenged, he spoke from his nursing home bed about one of the many miracles that happened by handing out the Cross. He talked about a time when he was in a hospital bed for six days when he was 85 years old due to improper medication, wondering why he was there.

Each day two nurses had to change his linen and he would have to roll from one side to the other. On the third day, the head nurse came in with a new assistant. As they were helping him, the head nurse said to the other nurse, "This man makes wooden crosses to give away". The other nurse pointed to CWL and said, "You are my angel".

"About two years ago, I was at the lowest point in my life. I was unemployed, struggling with two small children, and my husband was being sent to prison on drug charges. My children and I had been eating at a local restaurant and when we were walking out I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was you offering me two crosses for my children."

"It was that act of kindness that totally changed our lives. After that, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was baptized. My children and I are now attending church regularly. I went back to school and became a nurse.  My life is totally different because of that one act of kindness."

CWL laid back in his bed and knew exactly why He had ended up in that bed, in that hospital at that time.

Willard Larson began making crosses in 1960 when he decided, the oak scrap on the shop floor should not be thrown away.

Since that first cross was made, CWL gave away over 5,179 crosses, sized from 4 to 15 inches, and many special order sizes as requested. The crosses have been sent on mission trips to Africa, Latin America, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Russia, Sweden, South America, Haiti, Canada, and the United States of America.

The Crosses that CWL constructed have made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of people, always reminding us of the love that Jesus Christ has for everyone. Through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, it is possible for all to have salvation. CWL's legacy will live on as we continue to provide the Willard Larson Crosses.

Each cross is handcrafted in every detail with love and prayer. Each Cross will always have Carl Willard Larson's initials and it's own unique number. One of the last things Willard said to me was to get as many crosses out as possible.