Church erects new lady liberty statue

"As people pass this intersection it is my prayer that God will be glorified in their hearts."

Pastor Alton Williams stood in the shadow of Memphis's newest controversy: a 72 foot replica of the Statue of Liberty with a few critical changes.

Instead of a torch, a cross.  Instead of a stone tablet the 10 commandments.  On her crown the work Jehovah.  Beneath her feet a structure representing the tomb of Christ.

Neighbor Jasmine White says, "I think that's a good thing. And our community needs that because there's so many crimes and violence going on in this neighborhood. It's starting to become a high crime area. And I think that the church over there is doing a great job of bringing the community together. I really think it's good and it's a blessing to minister to people with the ten commandments."

The several hundred onlookers here seem to agree. But many others who drive these roads every day do not.

Memphian Todd McCagg says the statue is offensive.

Neighbor Todd McCagg says, "If they wanted to do that it should have been on a smaller scale, closer to the church. There's no reason to force God or free speech down anybody's throat.  I think it's ridiculous."

The Statue of Liberation through Christ as it's called cost church members a quarter of a million dollars.  The pastor says it represents God's desire to liberate Memphis from crime.