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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MEMBERS OF BGM, INC., AND AZAH SHRINE TEMPLE 140 ON THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE GREENVILLE COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON THE COMPLETION OF THE GOWER STREET SCHOOL PROJECT.
Whereas, it is with great pride that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives pause in their deliberations to honor those who have given tirelessly of themselves in great benefit to their surrounding communities and to this fine state; and
Whereas, the members of BGM, Inc., and the Azah Shrine Temple are certainly deserving of such praise; and
Whereas, rich with history, the former Gower Street School is situated in West Greenville, which was once a center of Greenville's cultural renaissance. It has produced countless African-Americans of great distinction, including state senators and representatives, clerical giants, great humanitarians, and world class athletes; and
Whereas, in 1984, Azah Shrine Temple No. 140 purchased the former Gower Street School from the Greenville County School District to use as a meeting space for the organization; and
Whereas, understanding the great significance the former school carries in the Greenville community, Azah Temple No. 140 sought to refurbish and redevelop the school site in creating thirty affordable residential units for senior citizens; and
Whereas, completed in two phases, the building incorporates many design elements from the former school building; and
Whereas, the project could not have been possible without generous funding from the SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the Housing Authority of the City of Greenville, and Regions Bank; and
Whereas, at the groundbreaking ceremony, Lillian Brock Flemming spoke of the importance of the building in the future of the community, saying "We're here today because people see something further than just a building. They saw all of you wanting to do something positive for your community"; and
Whereas, with the project now completed, the community will gather on April 25 to witness the laying of the cornerstone; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives laud the members of Azah Temple No. 140 and BGM, Inc., for their exceptional work and vision in preserving a landmark in Greenville, while fitting it for such an important purpose in fitting the needs of the community. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and honor the members of BGM, Inc., and Azah Shrine Temple 140 on their commitment to the Greenville community and to congratulate them on the completion of the Gower Street School Project.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Frank Richardson, chairman of the board of BGM, Inc.
This web page was last updated on April 14, 2011 at 12:04 PM