The Story of the Three Crosses

I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with two long-time residents here in Silverado on a typical gorgeous day. I asked these youthful spirited ladies why, when and what the meaning of the Three crosses are that are arranged just above the Silverado Post Office. In order to fully understand the crosses up on the hill, we have to go back to a time when a church, that was located directly below the crosses, was on the land. The church was located where our post office sits today.

The church was built in 1887 in Anaheim, some say Villa Park, and moved to Silverado Canyon in 1944. This was the oldest church in Orange County and a non-denominational house of worship. Around that same time, mid-’40s, the three crosses were erected on top of the hill where they still stand proudly today. The crosses represent Jesus, and the two thieves he was crucified with. The choir, the minister, and the organist, Inez Donovan, would trek up the steep hill and conduct the Easter Sunrise Service every year.

Many people believe the entire congregation would go on the hike, but this is not true, it was just those in the choir, donning their white robes with blue sashes, the baby organ, the organist, and the minister. The congregation would stand or sit in the parking lot and listen to the choir and sermon from below.

Like all good things, this beautiful little church came to a sad ending. The year was 1965 and no, it was not the patrons from the local bar that burned the church down, as canyon legend would have you believe; it was simply a well-intended minister. The pastor went into the church the night before his Sunday worship, to warm the church for his followers. Through no fault of his own, he accidentally caught the church on fire during the wee morning hours.

So, as you walk by the post office, look up at the three crosses, and listen. If you are very quiet and believe, you might just hear the lovely music of the Silverado Community Church choir assisted by a baby organ. At night, you can see these three crosses illuminated by solar lights.

Disclaimer: Please forgive any slight inconsistencies in this story. We are relying on the memories of people who have lived in the canyon for many years, combined with my research. Sometimes we can have our memories mingled with actual events. Photography and story by: ©Vivi Wyngaarden Photography for Mary Schreiber