www.gmwp.org/1998/groundbreaking.html
updated 7/16/98

On June 4, 1998, despite near torrential rain, over 50 Masons, Eastern Star Sisters, and guests gathered at the building site for a ground breaking ceremony. Brother Tom Boduch, Vision 2013 HABITAT Task Force Chairman, welcomed the crowd and thanked them for coming out despite the rain. A prayer was offered by Brother David Williamson, Senior Warden of Rockford Lodge.

Brother Boduch then introduced Kay Covington, Blount County HABITAT executive director. Kay then introduced our partner family, Raymond and Melinda Lambert and their three children. The Lamberts expressed their gratitude to Blount County HFH and to our Masonic family for sponsoring and building their new home.

Representing Congressman (and Brother) John Duncan (Charles H. McKinney Lodge #443) was his Maryville Office caseworker, Denise Lambert. Through the HOUSES THAT CONGRESS Built program, Brother Duncan will be leading the building of a HABITAT house on the lot next to ours. Brother Duncan was still in Washington and was not able to attend the ground breaking, but two days later, on June 6, was present on site to lead the framing of 'his' house.

Brothers Carl Reneau, construction supervisor (shown holding an umbrella over the Grand Master in the photo at left) and Larry Price, the volunteer coordinator, co founders of the Blount Masonic Council (and Past Masters of Rockford Lodge #469), expressed their excitment at getting this project started. Mountain View Lodge #519 Worshipful Master (and current Blount Masonic Council President) Terry Dickenson, Eastern Star Liasion Sister Gigi Schooler, Blount County Scottish Rite President Brother Joe Price and Mr. Bill Crisp, Blount County executive also made comments.

Also shown in the photo at left, is Brother Mark Austin, Senior Steward of Prudentia Lodge #719. He is holding a sign which was prominently displayed in front of the house as costruction progressed.

The Grand Master then praised everyone for their hard work and dedication that preceeded the ground breaking, and said he was proud that the first GMWP house is being built during his year as Grand Master. He turned the first shovel of dirt--actually mud--(see photo above).

Over the next few weeks, footings were dug and poured by Murphy Cooper of Cooper and Son Construction of Maryville. A foundation was built in time for our first work days--July 3rd and 4th, 1998. During those work sessions, the floor joists were set, subfloor and wall sections were built. The house was framed on July 18, 1998.