[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11542-11543]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    DEDICATION OF THE NEW CITY HALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 1999

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, the volunteer efforts of so many people in 
Offerman have been so extraordinary that one is tempted to suggest that 
the federal government consider this method of putting up new buildings 
in order to save ourselves from the cost overruns, delays, and problems 
that seem to plague this kind of enterprise all too often.
  The efforts of people like the Edward Daniel family, Mrs. Lucille 
Chancey, Mrs. Ethel Roberson, the Sam Cason family, the Ray Cason 
family, the Harvey Dixon family, the Ellis Denison family, and so many, 
many others have been so inspiring that the entire community has 
created a feeling of togetherness that is similar to the feeling one 
experiences at a family reunion.
  And speaking of families, the extended Cason family contributed to 
the enterprise in a way that brought generations together.

[[Page 11543]]

  Sam and Susie Cason helped with the painting, the carpentry, the 
sheet rock, the landscaping, the insulation, and countless other tasks.
  And they were joined by their children, and the Ray Cason family and 
grandchildren, with some as young as the 1st grade helping with their 
little tool sets in the best way they could.
  Many of those who volunteered their time had full-time jobs, and so 
they came to help on Saturdays.
  Evenings and weekends--any time that was free--went into the task of 
completing a job whose progress was open to all to see.
  Communities used to come together during the Middle Ages to construct 
spectacular cathedrals, for they were the center of public life and the 
beautiful churches they built were the pride of the community.
  The cathedrals were often multi-year projects, and they called upon 
the labors of virtually everyone in the community.
  The famous cathedrals of Notre Dame in Paris, for example, was built 
over a period of 157 years by the time it was finally completed.
  It was the pride of kingdom, and artists and carpenters came from 
great distances to have the honor of participating in such a 
spectacular undertaking.
  Another famous cathedral is the stunningly beautiful cathedral of 
Chartres, also in France.
  50 years after it was built, it was completely destroyed by fire.
  So the community decided it would have to be rebuilt--even better 
than before.
  It took 26 years, but as generations to follow would attest, it was 
worth the effort.
  The same spirit of common enterprise evident back then has been 
evident in the construction of Offerman's new city hall.
  The entire community was involved, and for the past two years, there 
was no escaping the progress of the project, as the results were there 
for all to see.
  Well, today we see the final result of so many labors.
  The citizens of this great city have devoted time, materials, labor, 
and not a few blisters, overcoming many obstacles and unanticipated 
hiccups along the way.
  This new addition to Offerman will be much more than a new building 
we call city hall.
  It will include a branch library and computer facilities for students 
and adults; and it stands next to a public park with picnic and other 
recreational facilities that are tailor-made for Offerman families.
  This facility promises to be a new center of public activity for the 
citizens of Offerman, and it is with great enthusiasm and pride that I 
join you in dedicating this new city hall and declaring ``Open House'' 
to all.
  Thank you very much for allowing me an opportunity to share in the 
celebration of all your hard work and perseverance.

                          ____________________