Stephens County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kenneth Peeples welcomed the large crowd. “I do not believe we could ask for a more beautiful day that the Lord has given us for this occasion,” Peeples said.
Courthouse Restoration Authority Member Henry Fields then talked about the process involved in restoring the courthouse. It was obvious that it was a great team effort to accomplish such a task.
“What you see is the result of a very congenial and cooperative group of people from many areas of the community and from many areas of life who gave their expertise, their talents, their time, and their skills in order to create what you will see around you and before you this
afternoon,” Fields said.The lead contractor on the project, Howard “Dundee” Andrews said “There were a lot of different things we had to do,” and “It is just a really big project. I was glad to be a part of it. Every bit of it was challenging.”
The keynote speaker for the ceremony was former Georgia Governor and U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, who was introduced by State Rep. Jeanette Jamieson, D-Toccoa.Miller told the crowd he loves courthouses. He said Stephens County’s courthouse is one of his favorite ones.
“It could not be better done,” Miller said. “It could not be more magnificent. Thanks especially to Jack Stovall and all of you who played a part in this. I know that things like this do not just happen. It takes people working together. It takes county officials, city officials and everyone in between. You all have done a magnificent job. We are all in debt to you for it.” Miller then talked about the man for whom Stephens County is named, Alexander Hamilton Stephens. Stephens was
a Georgia politician and vice president of the Confederacy.Miller said Stephens County has a great namesake and he felt his spirit was there for the courthouse rededication.
As part of the ceremony mention of thanks was given to the Toccoa Lodge #309 who were instrumental in laying the corner stone.
There is also a rumor that there is a time capsule hidden behind this stone. The mason's were suppose to move the time capsule to the museum to be opened. This will have to be saved for another day, cause they can't seem to locate it.
Also as part of the ceremony, Courthouse Authority Chair Dale Moseley mentioned the dedication of a room downstairs in memory and honor of Jack Stovall, who contributed much to the restoration but passed away before its completion.
The new Stephens County seal also was officially unveiled at the event Sunday in the first-floor tile of the building.Work remains to be completed on the facility. Once ready, the building will become the site of Stephens County Commission meetings, selected court trials and some county government offices.
With History in the making, I could not pass up the opportunity to make sure that I involved my son, Robert, in the action. We had Robert decked out in his DeMolay attire and made an effort to talk to and have is picture made with a few celebrities. 
No comments:
Post a Comment