HENDERSON, Texas — Fred Meissner, a 90-year-old Henderson man, has made more than 100,000 crosses for people all over the world. The longtime artisan says he felt the call to switch to this profession after he made a cross for his mother.
“I was 61 years old when I realized that I had that calling on my life to make crosses," Meissner said.
Prior to making crosses, Meissner grew up in Midland with hopes of going into the mission field one day. However, this changed when he realized his gifts in mathematics. These skills led him to a career at NASA starting in the 1960s working on a series of tests as an engineer.
“I was the senior engineer in charge of the lab for experimental technical work," said Meissner. "We were given special tests to run because we always did a real good job."
Meissner says his work was featured on some of NASA's most well-known projects like Apollo 11 and Apollo 13. However, after receiving several certifications for his work, he left the field in pursuit of different aspirations.
“I developed the skills to carve real good.," said Meissner.
These skills are what led him to make his first cross for his mother when she reached the age of 89. Four years later, he turned this part-time hobby into a purpose that has since served communities all over the world.
"I got five to make it to Russia, some to make it to Iran, several thousand in Mexico, over 500 in Uganda," said Meissner.
He even made roughly 200 crosses for the Henderson First United Methodist Church. Mike Mayhugh, the pastor of the church, says he is grateful to have received so many crosses for their facility.
“You can just see how beautiful these are. Over 190 crosses in our prayer chapel," said Mayhugh.
Meissner's hope is that these crosses serve a deeper meaning in the lives he's touched over three decades mastering his craft.
“The cross is just a tool for them to realize that Christ paid for our salvation," said Meissner.
Meissner still makes crosses out of any wood he can find on a table just feet from his bed, and he doesn't plan to stop anytime soon.