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Church Launches Online Campaign To Repair Landmark I-75 Jesus Sign

By Edward Cardenas

CLARKSTON (CBS Detroit) - Travelers heading north on I-75 in Oakland County have come to identify the sign with the portrait of Jesus at Dixie Baptist Church as a landmark which signifies they are leaving Metro Detroit.

The 50-foot tall sign, which asks the question "Are You On the Right Road?" and features a 16-  by 20-foot picture of Jesus, is located just past exit 93 in Clarkston and first built in 1970 at a cost of $11,000.

Twenty-one years later it was renovated, and according to Pastor Dr. Todd Vanaman, the sign which asks the spiritual message to thousands of travelers daily is in need of renovation.

In an effort to raise funds to update the sign, and address any lighting and structural issues with the sign, a parishioner launched a Go Fund Me campaign with a goal to raise $60,000.

"It just has some wear and tear over the years," said Vanaman, whose father founded the church and erected the sign. "We are just trying to do what we can to get it put back in tip-top shape."

In addition to updating the sign, Vanaman stated that lighting will be updated and make it more energy-efficient.

For more information about the campaign, visit the church's Go Fund Me page.

"It will be the same sign, the same portrait, the same message," he said. "Just updated and bought into the 21st century."

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