updated 3/18/01
www.gmwp.org/2001/campbell/groundbreaking.html

A ground breaking ceremony was held for the Campbell County 2001 GMWP house on Sunday, March 18, 2001. It was a beautiful sunny day.

A large crowd of Masons, their family members and Campbell County HFH volunteers (see photo at right) gathered at the building site in Caryville, located on Patty Road--just off I-75 exit 134 up hill from the Hampton Inn. Campbell County HFH president Bob Lee welcomed everyone and introduced the partner family--Kathy Davis and her son Tommy. A prayer was then offered by Rev. David Shouse, Kathy's pastor. Bob Lee also mentiond hat Kathy and her son have already worked nearly 100 hours of her sweat equity requirement. Kathy introduced her daughter and 2 grand children who, though not residing in the home, are exptcted to be frequent visitors.

Bob Lee then introduced GMWP director Brother Tom Boduch. Brother Tom gave a brief history of the GRAND MASTER'S WORK PROJECT, and recognized several Masons present who have helped make the GMWP a successful program. Masons recognized were Blount County Brethren David Williamson, Melvin Giles and Jerry Swaney (veterans of every GMWP), Brother Bart Iddins (District 20 Chairman who was instrumental in organizing construction of the first Masonic-HFH house which was built in partnership with Knoxville HFH in 1997) and East Tennessee Grand Lecturer, Brother Lynn Spangler (Brother Lynn has worked on several HFH projects and publicizes the GMWP in his official visits).

Brother Boduch next introduced then Deputy Grand Master Esco Owens. Bro. Esco made a few remarks, and then with Kathy and Tommy (see photo at left) immediately got to work and turned the first shovel of dirt for Kathy's new home. Shown in the photo are (from left to right) Brother Tom Boduch, Bob Lee, Deputy Grand Master Owens, Tommy Davis and Kathy Davis.

Kathy then expressed her appreciation and eagerness to get to work. A closing prayer was offered by Rev. H. Malcom Wansley, a member of Union Lodge #38 and pastor of the LaFollette United Methodist Church.

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