Historic crosses removed from atop Gadsden hospital

The two crosses above Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden were removed Monday morning as a worker climbed the 35 foot tower above the highest point of the hospital removing the two six foot neon crosses. It took close to two hours to remove the two crosses that weigh between 30 to 40 pounds each.  The two crosses faced in two directions atop the hospital and emitted their green florescent glow visible around the city.  The two crosses, which have been a fixture of the hospital for 82 years since being founded by the catholic order of the sisters of the missionary servants of the most blessed trinity.  The hospital was sold by the order in 1991 but the cross remained atop the hospital with the green glow representing the colors of the catholic order that had been responsible for the growth of the hospital in the Gadsden community.  The crosses taken down today will be replaced by an updated more energy efficient set of crosses that will also be larger than those being replaced.  The 6-and-a-half foot crosses are being replaced with a 10-foot by 6-foot LED model. The new cross should go up later this week.