Family gatherings, revivals, and assemblies are deeply rooted in the culture of Appalachia, and the beauty of the mountains continues to attract group meetings today. The Masons, the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization, have held their North Carolina Summer Assembly here each year since 1935. In 1938, a structure was erected through a cooperative effort with other Masons throughout the world. Its 687 stones were sent from the various states, 41 nations, and every continent, including Antarctica. Among them are stones from Plymouth Rock, the Rock of Gibraltar, the Alamo, and the White House. T. Troy Wyche of the Waynesville Lodge led the effort to erect it. The scenic setting, surrounded on all sides by National Park lands, was chosen to signify the universality of the Masons. Their ideals of equality, morality, charity, and a brotherhood of humanity are symbolized in the cement that binds these stones and bricks.