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Celebration at the Court House Square Rita One Year Anniversary |
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For many of us in Newton, Texas, the devastation caused by the hurricane that was forgotten by the rest of the world caused us much pain and suffering. So why would anyone ever consider marking the one year anniversary with a ceremony on the Court House Square? Lee Holbert, Executive Director of Self Help Housing, is one such visionary. Lee orchestrated just such an event on Saturday, September 23, 2006. Lee was instrumental in bringing about a substantial recovery from this disaster that will long be remembered by the folks in Newton, and the stories have become indelibly written in the annals of history of this great, little town. But why celebrate? Perhaps Lee realizes that Rita was in many ways a significant blessing for our community for a number of reasons: 1) It brought us even closer together as a community; 2) It gave us the opportunity to forge relationships that would not have happened otherwise; 3) It gave many of us the chance to show our love for each other by ministering to the community at large; 4) We have shown the world what a community that is led by the Holy Spirit and part of the Body of Christ can do with God's grace and help. At any rate, we made it, but the task is not over. So we pause at this one year milestone to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for what has been accomplished and to pray a prayer of supplication for the strength to continue. |
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The following pictures of the event were taken by Pam Wright, one of the many citizens of Newton who have contributed to the well being of the greater Newton Community. |
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| Mayor Rachel Marin speaks while surrounded by the following dignitaries: From left to right, Lee Holbert, Mike Hamilton, our esteemed State Representative, Sheriff Joe Walker, and Rev. Terry Walker of Belgrade Church of God in Christ, who gave the benediction at the event. | ||
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| The Newton High School Marching Band performed admirably under the direction of Mr. Dubois, who has brought a marked improvement to our band program. We can be very proud of this group of youth and what they have accomplished this year. | ||
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Newton County is blessed with one of the finest Sheriffs in the State of Texas. Sheriff Joe Walker dedicates the Oak Tree that has been planted to commemorate this event. Every time we see this tree over the years, we can take great pride in what we have accomplished as a community |
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The Honorable Mike "Tuffy" Hamilton, our dedicated State Representative, comments on the good job done by Newton in the recovery efforts. On the far right is the Rev. L. D. Matthews of New Beginning Church (COGIC) and the Mark and Lydia Bean Community Center. Rev. Matthews gave the invocation for the ceremony. |
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| The benediction by Rev. Terry Walker | ||
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| Mr. Mike Hamilton congratulates Mr. Dubois and the band for a great job of performing at the ceremony. | ||
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| Two great community leaders, Edwina Lewis and Pam Wright! | ||
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