GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -
A crown of thorns. A bearded face and a tear drop rolling down the left cheek. Gulfport resident Henry Marshall said it's the image of Jesus Christ on his tree in his backyard.
The image was created with a chainsaw and shows Jesus Christ's face, at his crucifixion.
"It had taken some damage in Katrina and we wanted to preserve the tree the best we could," said Marshall.
Years ago a tree that showed little hope, today sits six and a half feet tall, three feet wide in the form of Jesus.
"We had just the trunk and stubs of a branch. So we wanted to do something with it and I had a vision," Marshall said.
A vision that is coming to life thanks to sculptor Dave Perez.
"So it's like he's popping right out of the ground and so it's been a lot of work getting it to this stage. Getting the thorns and wreath and everything," said Perez.
Marshall said it's important to remember the carving is just a symbol of something greater.
"I pray that we have a good product because I don't worship idol things. However, this is Jesus in this carving. So I don't worship, but I do take great pride in what's being done to it," said Marshall.
Perez has been working on the sculpture for about two weeks and said he hopes to be finished with it next week.
Marshall said if you'd like to see the carving, come on by. He lives off Silver Ridge Avenue in Gulfport.
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