'Based on faith:' 2 pieces of wood from the cross of Christ believed to be in central PA

BOALSBURG, Pa. (WJAC) — A story about two small pieces of wood in an area historical site that continue to generate questions and investigation -- about long-standing claims that they're from the "true cross" the one used to crucify Jesus.

On the grounds of the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg, stepping into the Columbus Chapel is like taking a trip to old Europe.

Inside, there are paintings from the renaissance and numerous artifacts all with their own stories.

The most amazing of all, is two pieces of wood inside a silver reliquary on an altar.

So, how did two pieces of the true cross end up from Jerusalem in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania?

It’s an incredible story.

Descendants of Christopher Columbus, the explorer, reportedly received the wood from the left arm of Christ's cross in Jerusalem, then taken back to the Columbus Family Castle and monastery in Spain.

Next, a romance is involved

“Until the Boals' married into the Columbus family,” explained the mansion’s director Bob Cameron. “As a result, Colonel Boal's wife, Mrs. Boal, became the inherit of these two pieces and they were brought along with the rest of the chapel here to Boalsburg Pa.”

The wood was scientifically analyzed.

They found it was comprised of wood that was from a tree in Jerusalem, a Cyprus tree, long reputed to be one of the three species of wood that the cross was made of.

There is a manuscript at the chapel, from a Spanish bishop, authenticating the cross, but of course, there are doubters.

The story does sound too incredible.

“It is based on faith, to whether you believe that Christ was crucified, and these are true pieces of the cross, et cetera,” Cameron said. “That’s part of religion. So, each of us have to determine in our own way what our beliefs are. We don’t want to infringe these beliefs on anyone else.”

There are the believers, especially those who regularly make a pilgrimage there from across the western hemisphere due to those two small pieces of wood.

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