History
Prior to its destruction, Kay's Cross was a large stone structure, approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) tall and 13 feet (4.0 m) wide. [1]
The origins of Kay's Cross remain uncertain, with multiple theories proposed. One theory suggests the cross was constructed in 1946 by members of the Kingston family, a polygamous group led by Charles Elden Kingston, who founded the Davis County Cooperative Society. The Kingstons, often referred to as "The Order," are a fundamentalist offshoot of the LDS Church and own the land where Kay's Cross was built. [2]
Another theory connects the cross to Krishna Venta, a self-proclaimed reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Venta, born Francis Pencovic, was a religious leader based in California but reportedly had ties to Utah. According to Malvern Hansen, a descendant of the Kingston family, Venta convinced the family to construct the cross as a symbol of "Knowledge." Hansen’s journal states that the "K" on the cross represented "Knowledge" and not Kaysville or Krishna, as some have speculated. The design included grooves meant to hold religious texts, which were intended to be covered by stained glass. However, the project was abandoned when Venta left Utah to establish his movement in California. [3] Venta was later killed in a bombing orchestrated by two of his followers in 1958. [4]
On February 15th, 1992 approximately 80lbs of dynamite was ignited at the base of the cross, the subsequent explosion caused extensive damage to Kay's Cross, scattering debris in the surrounding area. The culprit remains unknown, with theories ranging from vandalism to intentional destruction by landowners or local authorities aiming to discourage trespassing and rumored occult activities. [5] [6] [2]
A suicide was reportedly committed in 2005 on the property directly adjacent from the cross. [7]
Myths and legends
Kay's Cross has been the subject of numerous legends, many involving alleged supernatural occurrences. One story claims it was built by an unnamed polygamist who allegedly murdered his wives and buried them around its base. Another version of this same tale suggests the body or heart of his seventh wife was encased within the top arm of the stone cross. [8]
In the 1980s, amidst the Satanic panic in Utah, rumors surfaced that the site was used for ritual sacrifice. These reports were fueled by allegations of stolen livestock and the discovery of animal remains at the site, supposedly including chickens, dogs, raccoons, and squirrels. [6] [7]
Other legends involving Kay’s Cross and Kay’s Hollow include supposed sightings of werewolves, unexplained glowing lights, and unexplained voices in the area. [2] Visitors have reported unfeeling uneasy or unwell near the cross. [6]
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