“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
As we traveled northward on Monday, we stopped in Metropolis, Illinois, . . .
. . . and navigated to the world’s largest statue of Superman. Of course, we needed a picture. It was after five o’clock and the town square was deserted. Two ladies had also stopped at the attraction, and we appreciated one offering to take our picture. I have learned the hard way that you should always check pictures that nice people offer to take. She took three, and in all three she missed the top of Superman’s head. We waited until she left before trying a selfie.
However, I was very impressed when a young teen boy came up, seemingly from out of nowhere, and offered to take our picture. I thought he did a great job.
I thanked him, adding, “I bet you’ve done this before.” He didn’t answer, but his smile said yes.
Superman was actually “born” in Cleveland, Ohio, which is where Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel first created him for a comic book in 1938. In time Metropolis businessman Bob Westerfield realized that Metropolis, Illinois, was the only town with the same name as Superman’s fictional hometown of Metropolis. Civic-minded O.D. Troutman and his committee raised $100,000 to create a bronze statue of the comic book superhero. It was unveiled on June 4, 1993.
Beside the raised platform where the statue stands is this open book with the words of the dedication prayer given by a local Lutheran minister that day. It reads:
Almighty God, we come together on this festive occasion to invoke your presence, blessing and guidance. You, oh God, are the creator and giver of every good and perfect gift, even life itself. We realize too that you alone are the one and only God and that there is none beside you. Yes, your creation and even the works of men and women reflect your handiwork in images and symbols and various forms such as this statue about to be unveiled.
We are thankful for all, who united in spirit and will and work, fashioned and made available this “Superman Statue”, not as an idol to be worshiped, but as a symbol to be celebrated. A symbol that points us to and beyond human values such as Truth, Justice, and the American Way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
On this occasion, we memorialize all whose names are inscribed on the base of this statue as a constant reminder of all these who have, and now are, and will touch our lives. We acknowledge, too, all who contributed in so many ways to making this statue a reality.
May all who come to visit our beloved Metropolis sense a new and refreshing cooperative spirit of unity throughout our community. And may what we do and say this day reflect a deeper appreciation of the ongoing gifts of Your presence, peace and prosperity for which we celebrate and give our heartfelt thanks.
The Invocation by
Rev. Dr James P. Walker
Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church
Metropolis, IL 62960
June 4, 1993
That same year Superman super-collector Jim Hambrick moved from California to Metropolis, bringing his massive collection of Superman memorabilia and opened the Super Museum across the street from the statue. Here is my super man standing outside the museum.
Nearby is this mural replica of the cover of the first comic book about Superman, published in June of 1938.
Etched in stone below the statue is an admonition, attributed to Superman.
It reads: “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.”
Of course, we do! We’re made in the image of God! Thank you for teaching your children to “put on the cape” for the highest purpose—to serve God—and for introducing them to the One Who can give them the power to do it.
I can do all things
through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13