Powered Cross

Sherri McKee from Kirkwood Road Christian Church in Kirkwood, MO brings us this acrylic, LED-tape-lined cross.

For a series called “The Power of the Cross”, they repurposed a drum cage into a large, etched cross.

After replacing their drum set with electronic drums, they had an unused drum cage. Sherri loves to repurpose materials for their stage design to offset costs. She bought a Drummel 4000 and learned to etch acrylic. After some buffing to remove random drum stick marks in 3 of the acrylic panels, she etched a crown of thorns in the top section(cut at about 1/3), the Hebrew name Yeshua across the middle panel and Jesus vertically in the bottom panel. She drilled holes to join the three pieces together with s-hooks. Then they surrounded the entire cross with an LED ribbon secured with a clear, self-adhesive, corner guard. After suspending the cross from the ceiling, they surrounded it with plants to hide the chord

Transforming the Ordinary into the Sacred

This stunning acrylic cross design demonstrates the power of creative repurposing in church stage design. By transforming an unused drum cage into a illuminated centerpiece, Kirkwood Road Christian Church created a visual focal point that powerfully reinforced their sermon series on “The Power of the Cross.” The project showcases how churches can achieve professional-looking results while working within tight budget constraints.

The genius of this design lies in its multi-layered symbolism. The etched crown of thorns at the top section immediately draws the eye upward, reminding viewers of Christ’s sacrifice. The Hebrew name “Yeshua” etched across the middle panel connects the congregation to the historical and cultural roots of their faith, while the vertical “Jesus” inscription grounds the design in familiar terminology. This trinity of visual elements creates a rich tapestry of meaning that deepens the worship experience.

The use of LED ribbon lighting transforms what could be a static display into a dynamic, glowing presence. Unlike traditional stage lighting that requires complex rigging and programming, LED tape offers churches an affordable entry point into professional illumination. The clear corner guard provides both practical protection for the acrylic edges and a subtle diffusion effect that softens the light output. When suspended from above, the cross appears to float ethereally, creating a sense of transcendence that enhances the spiritual atmosphere.

Sherri’s approach to sourcing materials offers a masterclass in budget-conscious design. Rather than purchasing expensive acrylic sheets, she repurposed existing drum cage panels—materials that would otherwise have gathered dust in storage. The Dremel 4000 tool investment opens up endless possibilities for future projects, from etching glass panels to creating custom signage. This mindset of maximizing existing resources while investing in versatile tools is one that every church design team should embrace.

The strategic placement of plants to conceal power cords demonstrates attention to practical details that separate amateur designs from polished productions. Too often, churches create beautiful stage elements only to have the visual impact diminished by visible cables and technical infrastructure. By treating cord management as an integral part of the design process rather than an afterthought, Kirkwood Road achieved a clean, professional appearance that keeps the focus on the cross itself.

Related Designs

Explore more creative cross designs and Easter stage setups for inspiration:

• Soft Crosses – Elegant plywood crosses with fabric draping and internal lighting for a soft, reverent Easter atmosphere.
• Staged Stable – Another brilliant drum cage repurposing project, this time creating a Christmas nativity stable with LED accents.
• Cardboard Carving – Crown of thorns design carved into cardboard for an impactful Easter backdrop on a minimal budget.
• LED by the Spirit – Learn how to create stunning LED tape light backdrops with DMX control for dynamic worship lighting.
• Romans Reflections – A 17-week sermon series design featuring columns, greenery, and layered lighting techniques.

Pro Tips for Acrylic Cross Designs

Etching Technique: When working with acrylic panels, practice your etching technique on scrap material first. The Dremel 4000’s variable speed control allows for precise line work—start at lower speeds to prevent melting or chipping. Use light, consistent pressure and let the tool do the work rather than forcing it through the material. Consider printing your design on paper and taping it to the back of the acrylic as a guide.

LED Installation: LED ribbon tape is flexible but can fail at sharp bends. When wrapping corners, create gentle curves rather than 90-degree folds. The self-adhesive backing works best on clean, dust-free surfaces—wipe acrylic edges with rubbing alcohol before application. For outdoor or high-humidity environments, consider adding a bead of clear silicone sealant along the tape edges for extra security.

Suspension Safety: Acrylic panels can be surprisingly heavy, especially when assembled into large structures. Always use appropriate hardware rated for the total weight of your design, plus a safety factor. S-hooks work well for joining panels, but ensure they’re closed securely to prevent separation. When suspending from ceiling trusses or beams, distribute weight across multiple attachment points and consult with a structural professional if uncertain.

Budget Material Sourcing: Check local Habitat for Humanity ReStores, building surplus outlets, and online marketplaces for acrylic sheets at discounted prices. Many drum manufacturers sell replacement panels for existing cages—these can be excellent sources for high-quality acrylic at reasonable prices. Don’t overlook aquarium suppliers, who often stock clear acrylic in various thicknesses.

Related: The Anatomy of a Church Stage Design – Essential elements every church stage needs for effective visual communication.

Related: Versatile Brilliance – Discover how Seven Marks Church built custom LED fixtures using 1×2 lumber and LED tape lighting for versatile stage illumination.

Related: LED Sunburst – Discover how Faith Center built a glowing LED cross with color-changing RGB strips and translucent Coroplast for a 3D lighting effect.