When did Touchdown Jesus at Solid Rock Church burn down?

Time passes faster than controversy.

Ten years after it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, there is still debate about the best nickname for Solid Rock Church's "King of Kings" sculpture. Which do you prefer: Touchdown Jesus or Big Butter Jesus?

>> 5 things you didn't know about 'Touchdown Jesus'

In case you forgot, the epic and iconic statue burned down after being hit by lightning on June 14, 2010. It was a fiery scene.

>> Years after fire, new Jesus statue has fans, critics

Credit: Source: Dayton Daily News archives

Solid Rock replaced the BBJ with a statue called "Lux Mundi" (Latin for "Light of the World") in 2013.

The 52-foot statue depicts Jesus with arms wide open. Its nicknames include “Hug Me Jesus” or “5 Dollar Footlong Jesus.”

>> 6 kooky things that make I-75 Exit 29 worth the drive

The destruction of the King of Kings statue did not end the debate over which nickname for it was superior: Big Butter Jesus or Touchdown Jesus.

>> Giant Jesus landmark returns to I-75

Times sure flies. Solid Rock Church's giant Jesus statue burned down 7 years ago. What did you call it? https://t.co/mrWAfwUQFh
— Amelia Robinson (@DDNSmartMouth) June 15, 2017

Maybe these images will help you make this important decision.

Credit: Nick Graham

In Other News

6 things you didn’t know about Martin Luther King Jr.’s ties to Dayton

Dining at White Castle on Valentine’s Day? Don’t forget the merch

Best of Dayton: Looking back at this year’s winners in more than 150...

MOTHER’S DAY: The little things moms do leave big impressions on kids

Movie Magic: 5 local theaters that provide a sense of nostalgia

About the Author

Amelia Robinson

Community Impact Editor Amelia Robinson is an award-winning columnist, features writer and podcast host. The Ohio University graduates work has appeared in the Dayton Daily News since 2000.