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A replacement for the famous King of Kings statute has begun construction at Solid Rock Church along Interstate 75.

The giant Jesus statute known also as “Touchdown Jesus” or “Big Butter Jesus” was struck by lighting last June and caught fire. Workers removed the remnants of the statue and begun construction Wednesday.

The new statute will be stand 50-feet tall, be made of steal, urethane foam and weather-resistant, moldable acrylic. Designers of the new statute say a lightning suppression system will also be installed to protect the new statue from lightning strikes.

The new standing 50-foot Jesus hold arms out towards I-75 welcoming cars passing by. This is opposing to Kings of Kings statue that featured a bust of the Jesus reaching arms towards the sky, similar to a football referee signaling a touchdown - thus the nickname “Touchdown Jesus”.

The statue is expected to be finished by mid-summer.

Information from: www.middletownjournal.com