www.gmwp.org/1998/dedication.html

HABITAT also celebrated 1998's Building on Faith week, by dedicating it's 70,000th house, which was built by Greater Canton (Ohio) HFH and sponsored by several local Church groups. Habitat's Founder Millard Fuller was present to dedicate the house, and immediately left for Quetzaltenago, Guatemala to dedicate the organization's 70,001st house.

The spirit of BUILDING ON FAITH week and the day of PRAYER AND ACTION was very evident in Blount County. A house located next to the 1998 GMWP house was dedicated at 1 PM--just before the GMWP house dedication at 2 PM. This house was built by personnel (including several Masons and Past Masters) from McGhee Tyson Air Force Base and was sponsored by the USAA foundation. The previous day, Saturday September 19, 2 new houses, sponsored by several Blount County Churches, were framed in the same subdivision where the GMWP house was built. (The houses were completed and dedicated by Christmas 1998!)

Unlike groundbreaking day, the dedication day was a beautiful sunny and warm day. Nearly 80 Brethren, Eastern Star sisters (shown above setting up a refreshment tent) and guests gathered at the home site for the dedication ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, the visitors toured the completed house.

The dedication took place on the front porch of the Lambert home. Blount County HFH President, Rick Phelps, began the program by welcoming everyone. He praised our efforts and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication in constructing the house. An invocation was offered by Brother Ralph McElroy.

Brother Tom Boduch, GMWP director, then recognized the many volunteers who raised money and donated materials and labor to construct the house. He then spoke of future Grand Master's Work Projects.

Blount County HFH Executive Director Kay Covington (shown above) then recognized the sub-contrators and suppliers who provided donated materials and services. She also presented Brother Boduch with the '2 x 4' award--an award given by Blount County HFH for leadership in house construction.

A Masonic house dedication ceremony then followed, and was concluded by Grand Master Walter Wininger (shown at left) presenting the Lambert Family with a Bible and the key to their new home. The Grand Master said he was honored that the first Grand Master's Work Project house was built during his year as Grand Master, and urged everyone to continue their work with HABITAT.

The Blount County Eastern Star Chapters than gave the Lambert Family a 'pounding' by presenting them with a pound of sugar, flour and other needed household items. The Lamberts were at a loss for words, but expressed their appreciation for their new home. They then introduced their 3 children.

Blount Masonic Council President Terry Dickenson presented Brother Boduch with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in organizing the 1998 Grand Master's Work Project. Brother Ralph McElroy offered a closing prayer, after which, refreshments were served by the Blount County Eastern Star Chapters.