Columbus, Ohio: Lighthouse of God Prayer Tower

Replica lighthouse bolted to a church roof. A well-weathered sailor dummy stood on the balcony above signs telling people what they should pray for.

Lighthouse of God Prayer Tower

JoAnne Viviano from the Columbus Dispatch let us know that "Sam" the sailor mannequin -- which stood watch on Calvary Temple's oddball lighthouse -- was removed after the death of Reverend Lee Loretz, 87, in Sept. 2011. The church, with its 40- ft. tall lighthouse "prayer tower" and roof lettering proclaiming "Jesus is Lord" is for sale.

The landlocked lighthouse and mannequin were an eye-catching landmark along I-71, along with an American flag and sign: " Join us now in prayer for the troops, Pres. Bush and victory." According to JoAnne, "right now, the sailor is in a staircase beneath the lighthouse."

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 06/05/2012]

Lighthouse of God Prayer Tower

Right off of I-71 past the Morse Road exit heading towards downtown stands this "Prayer Tower" whose keeper haunted me throughout my childhood ("Mommy - how does he get down?!"). Despite the recently added sign urging passing motorists to pray for TROOPS, BUSH, and VICTORY, the mannequin in the sailor suit has been here for at least 15 years. The lighthouse is actually attached to the top of the church, with the roof carrying a message akin to "Jesus Loves You" in different colored roofing tiles.

[Ryan Lintelman, 06/04/2005]