MONROE, Ohio (AP) - Two Cincinnati artists will design the replacement for a giant Jesus statue destroyed by lightning this summer in southwest Ohio.
The six-story fiberglass bust of Jesus overlooked Interstate-75 and was one of the area's most familiar landmarks. It sat in front of the Solid Rock Church in Monroe, about 20 miles north of Cincinnati, until it was destroyed June 14.
The statue was nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way its arms were raised, similar to a referee signaling a touchdown.
The Hamilton JournalNews reported Monday that Steve Brauch of Glasshand LLC and Tom Tsuchiya were chosen to design and sculpt a new 51-foot statue that will depict Jesus' full body.
Church officials say the statue should be completed by spring or early summer.
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