Driving through the Texas Hill Country—whether west on I-10 or south from Fredericksburg on State Road 16—you’ll spot a striking sight on the horizon: a 77-foot-tall steel cross rising above Kerrville.

This magnificent sculpture, called “The Empty Cross,” is located on a rocky hill overlooking the town in The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden.  

But the sculpture is just the beginning. The Empty Cross anchors a 100-yard, tree-lined prayer path laid out in the shape of a cross itself. Along the garden trails are eleven awe-inspiring sculptures, original works by artist Max Greiner. According to the website, seven sculptures are bronze, three Cor-Ten steel (including The Empty Cross), and one made of stones from the Guadalupe River.

On this second visit, we began at the small gift shop near the entrance. Just to the right, under the shade of Texas oaks, stands “Mary, the Mother of Jesus.” She clutches the crown of thorns and extends a hand, as if welcoming you into what lies ahead.

The uphill drive leads to two parking areas (with a convenient drop-off point), where the “Lion of Judah” sculpture overlooks the surrounding Hill Country with regal strength.

“Fishers of Men,” a life-size sculpture of the risen Jesus, greets visitors at the beginning of the walkway.

Built with iconic Texas white stone, the garden has a rugged, sacred beauty, with flowers and trees planted among the rough Texas Oaks and rocky ground. The Texas terrain resembles the feel of what Israel’s landscape could be like. 

At the center of the garden is the title sculpture, “The Coming King.” (See it in the featured photo above.) This magnificent life-sized bronze piece portrays “Jesus Christ returning in glory at the end of time, as a mighty warrior and king.” The artist depicted Christ “with fire in His eyes, a Shofar in one hand and the Sword of the Spirit in another. His robe is blown black and on it states in Hebrew: LORD OF LORD AND KING OF KINGS.” (website)   

Just beyond is God’s Rock Garden—a powerful visual tribute filled with white rocks inscribed with prayers and memorials. Inspired by the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, this space invites visitors to add their own messages, using the provided stones.

The garden is designed with pockets of places to find a quiet spot to pray or simply sit, allowing the area’s peacefulness to wash over you. Even if there are several visitors, a quiet atmosphere still exists, with people speaking in hushed tones and allowing privacy to those praying inside the cross. (If a more serene, private visit is desired, stop by the garden on a weekday.)

A visit here should not be rushed. Like walking through a sacred gallery, each sculpture invites reflection. Whether you pray, pause, or simply look, there’s a quiet beauty in this hilltop sanctuary—one that lingers long after you leave.

If you want to visit:

Even on the mountaintop, the garden on Benson Drive is not hard to reach. After turning off State Road 16, the garden is about ¼ mile down the road. Hours are 7 AM to Midnight daily. Restroom facilities are available across from the gift shop and at the back of the garden. Bring a Sharpie to write a message for the Rock Garden, (although there are some available in the gift shop) and I recommend that you take water; there is no vending at the site. 

Disclosure: Photos in this post are the property of Angie Vallejo and may not be used without permission.