THE Crosses on the Hill have been attracting pilgrims during holy week from across Southeast Queensland for 25 years.

One of the founders of the Crosses on the Hill Good Friday Service, Norm Kerle said the three 4.5m-high crosses on the hill, which are illuminated every evening have an almost magnetic attraction.

He said the number of Christians who make the journey to Coleyville for the Ecumenical Service has increased every year – from about 50 people back in 1998, to almost 900 pre-lockdowns.

The popularity of the Good Friday Service on the Hill still surprises him.

“Every year, as the numbers grew, I thought we had reached saturation point,” Mr Kerle said.

“But then the next year would come around and there would be yet more people.

“I think the popularity of Crosses on the Hill is that all denominations of Christians are welcome, there is no judgment.

“We also welcome non-believers to come up to the hill and experience the atmosphere there.

“We worship one Triune God, it doesn’t matter what colour or creed you are.”

Mr Kerle said people drive up from the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Caloundra, Redcliffe and even Sydney to join in the Service.

“Crosses on the Hill has changed lives; we have had people up on the hill who haven’t attended church in years who then start attending services again,” he said.

“I often say, that within church circles, there are two different types of people. “You have those people who go to church every Sunday.

“Then there are some, who are real good Christians at heart, who feel uncomfortable going inside the four walls of the church.

“Our church service caters for both sides. We have a lot of people turning up in T-shirts, shorts and thongs, and they, too, are most welcome.”

South Australian Lutheran Pastor Peter Steicke will be the guest speaker at this year’s Good Friday Service and two other Easter Services.

The Good Friday service begins at 9.30am and will be held at the corner of Rosewood-Warrill View and Eder Bros roads, Coleyville.

Hot cross buns, doughnuts and cups of tea will follow the service.

Another service will be held on Easter Saturday at 7pm at the Baptist Church, Rosewood.

The third service, on Easter Sunday, will be at 9am at the Zion Lutheran Church, Minden.

Bus pick-ups will be available at Brassall Village, Cabanda Aged Care Home, Rosewood, and Uniting Church, Rosewood.