Group trying to raise money to repair Bald Knob Cross

ALTO PASS, Ill.

The Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a Southern Illinois landmark that can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles when lit at night, has become the center of a battle between new and old board members, with repairs put on hold.

Steve Babb of Cobden, Ill., Bald Knob Cross board president, said a restraining order was filed that thwarted any efforts to repair or maintain the cross, allowing only mowing around the area. He said the deterioration of the cross, which was built in 1963, began 10 to 15 years ago when panels that were attached to girders inside came loose after the epoxy used to attach them dried out. He said he thinks some panels were repaired with coat hangers and baling wire.

Babb thinks justice will prevail but said whatever the outcome, "we will follow the judge's ruling."

Lights used to illuminate the four-sided structure marked by a word on each side -- peace, charity, faith, hope -- were destroyed by vandals about a year ago, said the Rev. Bill Vandergraph of Alto Pass. Vandergraph is president of Friends of the Cross.

The group is trying to raise money to repair the landmark.

The cross has been evaluated from the inside by a technician from a major bridge building firm. The inspection revealed about two-thirds of the porcelain steel panels seen on the outside have been wired back on and that the bolts and wire are rusting out.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Rev. Bill Vandergraph discussed the deterioration of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace on Monday near Alto Pass, Ill.

Other damage shown in recent photographs supplied by Vandergraph included destroyed electrical boxes, rusting and twisting on the main beam and deterioration to the four-inch concrete supports.

"The damage is not isolated to one area but appears throughout the cross," Vandergraph said.

According to Vandergraph, the cross is owned by a foundation.

Around 2000, then-treasurer Tirzah Tweedy saw a need for a Visitor's Center and, instead of having the foundation listed on the lien, she named herself as lien holder. As old foundation members became unable to fulfill their duties or died, new board members voted themselves in and Tweedy was told she couldn't use the building as planned. By 2006 they removed her from the board and changed the locks.

Tweedy was unavailable for comment.

Vandergraph said the old board didn't always follow the by-laws, such as specifics on finances and tenure of officers, but trusted one another instead. "People worked their hearts out. Some even stayed overnight to greet buses," he said.

"Of course there was a concern for by-laws which heightened upsetedness when a statement of faith and by-laws changed," Vandergraph said.

Friends of the Cross are aiming to raise $300,000 for repairs. Vandergraph is visiting schools and plans to go to churches and businesses, seeking help while promoting a June 14 five-mile fundraising walk from the Cross to the Alto Pass Civic Center. The goal is to raise $100,000 a year. Since November the group has raised $60,000. Vandergraph thinks they will surpass their goal.

He said he thinks a new board and a caretaker on the premises is needed.

Fixing the cross completely is the Friends' ultimate goal. "I hope they let Friends of the Cross do the work," Vandergraph said.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133

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Video of the cross

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