A cross was first affixed to the top of the Clock Tower in The Square, Palmerston North, in December 1960. Although intended to be temporary it became permanant. In 1981 local Christians paid for a new, permanant cross, with the Palmerston North City Council paying for installation and maintenance. The 'new' cross subsequently blew down in 2006 and was replaced by a lantern style cross in 2007. Having a cross on top of the Clock Tower has been debated throughout the years.

A letter from the City Electrical Engineer, Mr R G McInnes, to the Palmerston North City Council Energy Committee, recommending a new cross due to disrepair of the old one. A 'temporary' cross was first affixed to the top of the Clock Tower in The Square, Palmerston North, in December 1960. Although intended to be temporary over the Christmas period it became permanant, to be replaced by another permanant cross in 1981. Having a cross on top of the Clock Tower has been debated over the years, but it remains in the form of a 'lantern' style cross, erected in 2007.