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'It Is I', nicknamed 'Surfing Jesus', is a bronze sculpture by Kent Ullberg in front of First United Methodist Church on Corpus Christi's South Shoreline, depicting Jesus calming a storm at sea; installed in October 1995.
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It Is I (Surfing Jesus) 15-foot bronze Ullberg
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Site-level location · 27.7910° N, 97.3985° W
FIELD GUIDE
The story
Facing the bayfront in downtown Corpus Christi, "It Is I" depicts Jesus calming a storm at sea. Visit Corpus Christi, in a July 2026 post, calls it a 15-foot bronze and says locals affectionately call it "Surfing Jesus" because of its waterside setting and boat imagery.
The sculptor is Kent Ullberg, who, according to KRIS 6, grew up inspired by religious art in Sweden. A retired local teacher inspired the work in 1991, KRIS 6 reports. It has welcomed worshippers and visitors since October 1995, and KRIS 6 reported the church marking 30 years of the statue.
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PRACTICAL
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WHAT TO EXPECT
An outdoor bronze sculpture on the grounds of First United Methodist Church beside the bayfront. Visit Corpus Christi (July 2026) lists it as a stop for visitors exploring downtown. The church is an active place of worship; be respectful.
ACCESS
Grounds of First United Methodist Church on South Shoreline, facing the Corpus Christi bayfront in downtown. Seen from the grounds; the church is an active place of worship.
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