It didn't take the public long to respond to help fix the “Cross on the Hill,” an iconic, electric beacon that has shone down on the Alle-Kiski Valley from the edge of a bluff in Lower Burrell for generations.
The 34-foot-tall cross, which is illuminated from the inside, has been only partially lit or completely out since before Thanksgiving.
But if the weather cooperates, the 60-year-old cross could again radiate that familiar red glow within the next several weeks, according to the local landmark's owner, the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches.
Apparently, the cross is an icon the public doesn't want to lose.
When the Valley News Dispatch reported Feb. 16 that the cross went dark as a result of an electrical problem, the public rallied, donating about $1,000 for repairs, according to Karen Snair, the association's executive director.
“The donations show the compassion the community has to get this cross lit,” she said.
In addition to being a Christian symbol, the cross itself represents the three basic industries that were the core of the Alle-Kiski Valley: glass, steel and aluminum.
On Tuesday morning, church association members met with electricians and the owner of a local fencing company to discuss how to fix the cross.
An electrician pulled out a 4-foot-long, burned-out bulb from beneath the red Plexiglas cover that sits over the steel and aluminum framework.
Its basic construction is solid, according to Rob Cousins of Cousins Electric and Repair of Lower Burrell.
“This cross will likely outlive us,” Cousins said.
But he's not so sure about the inner workings of the structure, which will require an electrician in a bucket truck to access and fix. They are considering an upgrade of the fixtures and bulbs.
The cross has been out for so long because of access problems. A new retaining wall on private property along Hilltop Drive blocked traditional entry to the cross' tiny parcel of land, which was leased to AVAC for 99 years by the late Mildred Hess.
“I would very much miss it if it wasn't here,” said Darline Hartman, 72, who, along with her husband, Richard, is allowing the churches association access to their Montana Avenue property to reach the cross.
The Hartman land, a little over an acre, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Tarentum, Brackenridge and the hills beyond.
“This isn't going to be a problem,” said Rick Holsing, president of North American Fencing Co. of Cheswick. His company will cut in an entrance gate in a 4-foot high cyclone fence to reach the cross. The fence belongs to the Hartmans.
Once the fence work is done, AVAC will wait for the ground on Hartman's property to harden or freeze to bring in a bucket truck to reach the cross.
Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4691 or mthomas@tribweb.com.
