The Rev. Paul Cope, senior pastor, stands before the cross to be dedicated Sunday at Mars Alliance Church. The cross was given in memory of Shirley Forsythe by her family. Shirley, who died in 2004, volunteered at the church for 50 years.

ADAMS TWP — A rooftop cross, donated in loving memory of a faithful and industrious church member, will be officially dedicated at all three worship services Sunday at Mars Alliance Church.

The Earl Forsythe Sr. family donated the 8-foot, internally illuminated cross in memory of their wife and mother, Shirley, who volunteered at the church in various capacities for 50 years. She died at age 70 on July 3, 2004.

The couple's children and their spouses, all of whom live in the Valencia area, donated the cross along with their father. All attend or are members of Mars Alliance Church. They are Sandy and Jack Schwab, Nancy and Paul Mackalica, and Earl Jr. and Francine Forsythe.

"We thought it would be a nice remembrance of her," Earl Forsythe Sr. said on Monday. "She volunteered here for quite a while."

Forsythe recalled his late wife mentioning the addition of a rooftop cross would be a worthy addition to the church, which is at the intersection of Route 228 and Myoma Road.

"When she's looking down, I think she'd be pretty happy," Forsythe said.

Larry Friedel, co-owner of Atlas Neon Signs in Warrendale, said he and Forsythe climbed up on the roof to inspect the potential placement of the cross. He said Atlas makes crosses in 6-foot and 8-foot sizes, and both agreed the larger model would be better suited for the large church and sprawling adjacent countryside.

"It fit the structure of the building," said Friedel, who added the cross fit into the space where a steeple had toppled over several years ago.

He said Forsythe gave him basic design guidelines, and Atlas designed and built the cross.

Friedel said he was unaware the cross was in memory of Forsythe's wife until the project was complete.

"It looks good," Friedel said.

The Rev. Paul Cope, senior pastor at Mars Alliance, also appreciates the custom-made cross, which illuminates the surrounding countryside from twilight until morning.

"It speaks a message of hope and peace, particularly at night," said Cope.

Forsythe agreed the cross' effect is inspiring at nighttime.

"It looks like it's hanging in space."

The cross will be dedicated at the 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services this Sunday. Cope said the cross is a welcome addition at Mars Alliance and a fitting tribute to Shirley Forsythe.

"It's very faithful and we appreciate it."