A seven-foot cross is in storage at the home of Mel Evans of Keyser. He hopes that it’ll be soon placed on the Mineral County Courthouse lawn on a temporary basis.
Evans will be meeting with the County Commission this Thursday to find out the answer to his question as to whether or not the cross will remain in the storage area or be situated on the courthouse lawn.
Evans first approached his church, the Keyser Presbyterian, and sought their approval for an Easter-seasonal placement.
“Those of the church encouraged me to pursue the plan of having a cross on the courthouse lawn,” Evans said.
Citing that the cross is a “symbol of my religion,” Evans also stated, “I live according to the cross.”
Evans constructed the cross himself, then approached the County Commission, seeking the approval of the placement of the cross on the lawn during Holy Week.
“The members of the Commission were very receptive to the idea, and originally gave me permission, “Evans said.
Pointing out that he was preparing to transport the cross to the courthouse lawn, Evans said a letter came in the mail from the Commission stating that because of a complaint, the offer would have to be rescinded.
According to Evans, the explanation behind the reversal of the decision on behalf of the Commission was the “fear of being sued.”
Evans did mention that the Commission sought advice on the matter with the American Center for Law and Justice.
A representative from the law agency stated that if the concern of the placement of the cross were to reach the court system, the complainant would more than likely win the case.
With this in mind, the Commission knew the court costs would fall upon the Mineral County taxpayers, and further follow-up on the matter was halted.
That is until Evans appeared before the Commission a second time to request that the cross be placed on the lawn — for one week.
Evans told the Commission that the lawn was “an open forum to be used by the public.”
Evans desired the county officials to make a declaration stating that the lawn is open an open forum, and has been “since the beginning of our government,”
The Mineral County Prosecuting Attorney has been contacted by the Commission on the exact procedure of the placement of the cross and the answer for Evans will be based on that information.
The Commission continues to express that the burden of financially facing court costs cannot be upon the shoulders of the county citizens.
“I am anticipating hearing the news that I can place the cross on the courthouse lawn,” Evans said, “And if not, I will continue to pursue, and go whatever route that is needed.”