Henry Harrison Mayes wasn’t a preacher in a pulpit or a theologian in a seminary; he was a coal miner with a profound sense of purpose. Born in the Appalachian heartland of Tennessee in 1898, his life was shaped by faith, hard work, and an unrelenting determination to share the Christian message. What set him apart was not his profession but his unique mission to spread the gospel. Through concrete crosses, hand-carved markers, and even messages in bottles, Mayes carried his faith to highways, rivers, and communities across the United States. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering devotion—an ordinary man with an extraordinary mission.
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Henry Harrison Mayes was the second of seven children born on February 8, 1898, in Fork Ridge, Claiborne County, Tennessee. His parents, Lewis Elvin Mayes and Malinda Icaphina (Hopper) Mayes, were hardworking individuals who relied on the coal industry to sustain their family. The Mayes family’s deep connection to the coalfields, which provided livelihood and community, shaped Henry’s early years.
At 14, Henry joined his father and brothers in the mines. The harsh working conditions of the coalfields exposed him to life’s difficulties and instilled a remarkable work ethic. During these formative years, Henry began to feel the stirrings of a spiritual calling. In 1909, a tent revival held in the Tennessee hills left a lasting impression on him. The fervor of the preaching and the sincerity of the gathering ignited a spark of faith that would eventually define his life.
In his late teens, Henry experienced a life-altering event. A mining accident left him critically injured and fighting for his life. He vowed to dedicate himself to spreading the Christian message during his recovery if he survived. Against all odds, Henry recovered, and he kept his promise. He began his mission by painting Bible verses on rocks, fences, and wagons, using these as tools to share his faith. As he refined his approach, Henry began crafting concrete crosses and heart-shaped markers inscribed with messages such as “Prepare to Meet God” and “Jesus is Coming Soon.” These became his signature creations, and his work soon spread throughout the Appalachian region.
Henry’s dedication to his mission extended into creating these markers. In his backyard, he constructed wooden molds for the concrete. He poured and mixed the concrete, inscribing each piece with a meaningful message before it set. Once completed, the markers were often heavy and cumbersome to transport. Henry loaded them onto his truck or trailer, sometimes enlisting the help of friends and family to install them. He frequently worked under the cover of night to avoid confrontations with property owners, as he rarely sought permission to place his markers.
In 1918, Henry married Lillie Minton, a partnership defining their personal lives and his evangelistic mission. Lillie was an unwavering supporter of Henry’s work, often traveling with him to install his markers and raising their seven children with the same sense of faith and determination. Their home in Middlesboro, Kentucky, reflected their shared vision. Designed in a cross, the house featured the phrase “Jesus Saves” painted on the roof for aerial visibility. Their yard was adorned with concrete crosses and heart-shaped markers, creating a living testament to their beliefs.
Henry’s markers were not confined to the Appalachian region. Over the decades, he crafted and placed thousands of these markers across 44 states. He sent some overseas, hoping to reach distant lands with his message. One of his most ambitious dreams was to plant a cross at the North Pole, a goal that symbolized his desire to carry his faith to the ends of the earth. He even prepared signs intended for placement on other planets in a remarkable show of vision, reflecting his belief that the Christian message should transcend earthly boundaries.
As Henry aged and his health declined, he sought new ways to share his faith. Together with Lillie, he began placing messages in bottles. They carefully enclosed religious messages, sealed them, and cast them into rivers and oceans. This innovative approach aimed to reach otherwise inaccessible areas, including regions behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. It was a simple yet profound way of spreading hope and faith.
Throughout his life, Henry balanced his evangelistic work with a full-time career in the coal mines, where he worked for 43 years. His coworkers respected his tireless dedication, even if they did not always understand his mission. Known as “God’s Advertiser,” Henry earned this nickname through his ceaseless efforts to share the gospel.
In his later years, Henry became a beloved figure in Middlesboro. He often participated in local parades, riding a bicycle he called his “Jeep,” adorned with signs urging people to “Get Right With God.” He wore a white coat covered with painted crosses, each symbolizing a different Christian denomination. This attire represented his commitment to unity among Christians and his desire to reach people of all backgrounds.
Henry Harrison Mayes passed away on March 7, 1986, at the age of 88. His legacy endures through the markers he left behind. While some have succumbed to time and weather, many still stand along highways, towns, and museums like the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee. These markers are a lasting reflection of his life’s work and continue to inspire reflection and faith in those who encounter them.
Henry’s story is a powerful reminder of what one can achieve with unwavering dedication and creativity. From his concrete crosses to his messages in bottles, Henry Harrison Mayes proved that even the simplest tools can carry a profound message. His life serves as an example of how faith, determination, and ingenuity can leave a meaningful impact on the world.
