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City marks its 150th anniversary
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CONGRESSMAN Sanford Bishop read his prepared remarks that have been entered into the Congressional Record in observance of the city’s founding 150 years ago.
Due to COVID-19, there cannot be a big, community-wide celebration of Cairo’s sesquicentennial, but on Monday night the historic event was marked by a special presentation.
U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop attended the Monday night meeting of the Cairo Mayor and Council and shared with the audience remarks he had prepared that will be entered into the Congressional Record, marking the city’s 150th anniversary of its establishment.
“All of us have our time on the stage or in public office. This council and mayor are carrying out their responsibilities in an admirable way. This city is now 150 years old, but in the eyes of God it is but a minute,” Congressman Bishop said.
The congressman, who has represented the Second Congressional District and this community since 1992, then recited the poem “God’s Minute” by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
“I’ve only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me,
can’t refuse it,
Didn’t seek it,
didn’t choose it,
But it’s up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give an account if I abuse it,
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.”
Representative Bishop said it had been his honor to represent the city during his time in Congress and that he looked forward to continuing to serve this community if he is reelected in next week’s general election.
District 173 State Representative Darlene Taylor and District 11 State Senator Dean Burke also were special guests Monday night. Rep. Taylor told the council that pending the end of the pandemic, she and Sen. Burke would like to recognize the council with a resolution to be presented at the state capitol in Atlanta during the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
“I’m honored and blessed to serve you,” said Sen. Burke.
Lastly, former Cairo mayor Booker Gainor, who is running for the District 173 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, was also in attendance Monday night. The former mayor congratulated the mayor and council and citizens of Cairo for this historic achievement. Gainor also extended his best wishes for the city’s continued growth and success.
Cairo Mayor Howard Thrower III, read aloud a proclamation in honor of the city’s sesquicentennial, which has been framed courtesy of Moore’s Framing Shop and Pastor Johnny Moore and is on display at Cairo City Hall. Copies of the historic proclamation are also available at city hall for anyone interested in having a copy as a keepsake.
During Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Thrower recognized Yvonne and Elwyn Childs. Mrs. Childs had contacted the mayor earlier this year encouraging him to make plans for celebrating this historic anniversary.
“We would like to have had a large celebration, but we can’t this year,” Mayor Thrower said. He thanked the Childs for their interest, their love of local history, and for their constant encouragement.
Mayor Thrower also recognized the city’s marketing director, Alyssa Blakley, for her work in coordinating the ceremony held Monday night. Blakley was also instrumental in the preparation of the proclamation that also involved the collaboration of the mayor, council, and Grady County Museum and History Center director Don Nickerson.
The City of Cairo was granted a town charger on Oct. 28, 1870 by the Georgia General Assembly.
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