GRAND MASTER'S
WORK PROJECT
DEDICATION DAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2003
updated 2/3/03
www.gmwp.org/2002/finishing.html
The 2002 GMWP House was dedicated on Saturday February 1, 2003 and is shown in the photo at left). The joy of the day was tempered by the fact that the Space Shuttle Columbia had just exploded several hours prior. Many individuals were enroute to the dedication and first heard the tragic news as they arrived. Prayers for the Astronauts and their families were offered.
Bob Whitworth then introduced Covington's Mayor, Hon. Russell Bailey
District one Chairman, Brother Ron Murphy (shown in photo at right) then introduced the Masonic leaders and Grand Officers present. Brother Charlie Crane introduced the electricians who helped him wire the house. Similarly, Brother Jimmy Turner introduced the plumbers who assisted him plumb the house. Several other donors and workers were similarly recognized. Electricians included Harris Gordon and Brothers Ben Dunford, Jimmy Seaton, Jim Enochs, Bob McGoldrick, Bill Condy, Neal Blankenship and David Erwin. Plumbers included Brothers Charles Stevens, Ross Mathews and Bill Whisel. |
Over 100 individuals attended the dedication. Attendees including Masons and non-Masons who had helped construct the house, Tipton County HFH board members, a bus from Al Chymia Shrine Temple carrying most of the Divan, State DeMolay Master Councilor Ryan Lee, his father Brother Ken Lee and family and several Grand Officers.
Tipton County HFH president Bob Whitworth (shown in photo at right) welcomed everyone to the dedication, after which, an Invocation was offered by Reverend Tom Waters, (shown in the photo at left) Pastor of Covington's Central Christian Church.
After the Invocation, Bob Whitworth introduced GMWP Director Brother Tom Boduch (shown in photo at right). Brother Boduch thanked all the workers who built the house, and commented that whenever a GMWP takes place in West Tennessee, our entire Masonic Family gets involved. He recognized the members of AlChymia Shrine Temple and Bartlett DeMolay in particular. He then credited Brother Bill Wallace for his efforts in coordinating the project. He presented the Smith Family with a photo album momento of their house's construction. The album contained photos of dedication days of the previous 8 houses built by Tennessee Freemasons. He then announced locations of future Grand Master's Work Projects through 2005. He also recognized West Tennessee Task Force Member Brother Bill Whisel for his years of dedication to the program, and for his
work on the 2002 GMWP house.
(shown in photo at left); Mayor Bailey welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation for all the effort expended to h help eliminate poverty and sub-standard housing in the City of Covington.
Shown in the photo at left is Brother Charlie Crane while Rev. Waters and Grand Master Harrison look on. Shown in the photo at right (from left to right) are Senior Grand Deacon W. Brother Glen Pitts and Grand Organist Brother Robert Collins. |
Brother Murphy then introduced Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Joe Harrison who made some timely remarks and presented the Smith Family with the keys to their new home (see photo at left). A very moving Consecration and Dedication Prayer was offered by Reverend Tom Waters. Mr. Buford D. Walker of the local Gideons Chapter then presented the Smith family with a Bible. |
The Smith family then expressed their gratitude for their new home. Shown in the photo at right are (from left to right), John Smith, Angela Smith, one of their daughters Takesha, Bro. Bill Wallace, Bob Whitworth and Mayor Bailey.
A final Benediction was offered by Bob Whitworth. |