One of rural Australia's greatest mysteries is that of the "glowing cross" of Lismore in rural New South Wales. In 1907 a 29 year old railway worker named William Steenson died whilst heroically attempting to slow down a runaway railway carriage with his bare hands. During this attempt he was killed and a grave was erected at the local cemetery. In 1918 however for no apparent reason the cross began to glow brightly at night. Over the next 60 years, until it was stolen by vandals in 1986, the cross lit up every night. This lead to it becoming something of a local legend until eventually word leaked out and it became a national media event. Many theories were put up as to why it continued to glow- everything from light reflecting from the moon to radiation. It was all for nothing however and the cross defied explanation. After its unfortunate demise a complete reconstruction of the first was placed at the sight but so far it has failed to glow. Most odd however is the ironic epitaph on the grave: "Sacred to the memory of my Dear Husband William Thomas Thurling Steenson, who died At Lismore 30th September 1907; from injuries accidentally received in execution of his duty at Mullumbimby; aged 29 years Though sorrow and darkness encompass the tomb, Thy saviour has pass'd through its darkness before thee... And the lamp of his Love. Is thy guide through the gloom"
