Can "/etc/rc.conf" be replaced with a symlink?

[Clay]

I realized what the problem mostly likely was after submitting the question. 
I do believe that the mount point where I am wanting to have rc.conf located 
is not yet available when the file is read.  Is there a way to have this FS 
mounted prior to rc.conf being read?  Could I maybe place this mount point 
above the root in fstab?  I will give it try when I have time later today.

Thanks,
-Clay