On Good Friday years ago, NYC skyscrapers lit up with crosses and showed a nation that embraced faith

As early as the 1930s, New York City’s tallest structures have been lit up with hundreds of glowing crosses on Good Friday. This religious display was a sight to behold for commuters and onlookers in the city, and it became a symbol of the nation’s strong faith. The article “On Good Friday years ago, NYC skyscrapers lit up with crosses and showed a nation that embraced faith” recounts the fascinating history of this Easter tradition.

According to the report, the idea of lighting up tall buildings with crosses started as an initiative by the Federated Churches of New York, a Protestant organization. The first display was in 1932, with the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building being the first skyscrapers to participate. Over the years, the lighting ceremony grew in popularity, and it was even covered by news networks.

The article notes how the tradition took on tremendous importance in the years following World War II, when religious faith was at the forefront of Americans’ minds. On Good Friday in 1956, for instance, forty-five of New York’s tallest buildings lit up with crosses, prompting then-President Dwight Eisenhower to send a message expressing support.

As someone born and raised in New York, this article resonates with me. I remember seeing the buildings ablaze with crosses every Good Friday as I commuted home from school or work. It was always a heartening reminder of the depth of faith in our nation.

In conclusion, the article “On Good Friday years ago, NYC skyscrapers lit up with crosses and showed a nation that embraced faith” provides an intriguing look at one of New York’s oldest Easter traditions. Beyond the nostalgia, it highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating religion’s enduring impact on American society.