The site for the "meeting in the hills" is now properly identified as "Christner's Grove" by a stone engraved with a 10-inch square and compasses emblem. The marker was presented to Alex Christner (second from left), owner of the property. Making the presentation were Jeffrey M. Wonderling (second from right), D.D.G.M., 30th Masonic District; Kenneth F. Steward, Jr., (left) W.M., Whitfield Lodge No. 622, Tatamy; and Theodore L. Hay, S.W., King Solomon's Lodge No. 346, Connellsville.

The "meeting in the hills" has become a tradition among three lodges in the 30th Masonic District. The fourth annual meeting in the hills was held June 29 attended by 368 members from 54 lodges representing eight states.

On an unbearably hot night in July 1998, the idea for a "meeting in the hills" was born. It is not clear whether Paul E. (Sam) Truxel III, P.M., or Jeffrey M. Wonderling, then Worshipful Master of King Solomon's Lodge No. 346, Connellsville, and now D.D.G.M., 30th Masonic District, initiated the discussion about possibly moving the September stated meeting out of the bake-oven atmosphere of the third floor of the Masonic Temple in Connellsville.

It's amazing how fast and effective networking is in this Fraternity. Within a few days, someone mentioned the discussion to Alex Christner, P.M., of James Cochran Lodge No. 614, Dawson, who owned a parcel of land that would be a suitable location. Bro. Christner allowed Richard Stemmler, then D.D.G.M., and Bro. Wonderling to tour and inspect the property, which was found to be a perfect grove setting in "no-man's land." The only question was, because of its seclusion, would the brethren be able to find it, but recent attendance answered that.

With the proper dispensation, plans for a meeting in the hills were laid and a tradition was born. Three lodges ­ King Solomon's Lodge, James Cochran Lodge, and Marion Lodge No. 562, Scottdale ­ work together and rotate the responsibilities for arranging and conducting the yearly meeting in the hills. D.D.G.M. Wonderling noted that the three lodges act in unanimity and currently are working together to build a Masonic Center.

Before this year's meeting, arranged by King Solomon's Lodge, Bro. Truxel and his father, Paul E. Sr., P.M., and their crew of 12, working without electricity or running water, served 12-oz. strip steaks with all of the accompaniments. The officers were chauffeured to the lodge meeting site in a mule-drawn wagon driven by Robert Kauffman of Marion Lodge. Again, by special dispensation, the brethren were dressed in appropriate casual attire. After the meeting, the "Knife and Fork" degree was conferred and hot apple dumplings with ice cream were served.