MonticelloLive

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon at the campus of the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children, a gathering of 60+ board members, donors, staff personnel and local officials and clergy witnessed history in the making as ground was broken for a new 11,000 square foot duplex cottage.

The present duplex, which was home to 16 elementary and intermediate school-aged children and their houseparents, is being torn down to make way for the new, $1.25 million state of the art cottage. Demolition of the 52 year old building has been held up by inclement weather and unforeseen structural obstacles, making for the somewhat unique situation of having a groundbreaking for a new structure while the old one is still standing. However, as Mr. David Perry, Executive Director of ABCHomes noted, it stood as a symbol of transition from old to new.After Mr. Perry’s opening remarks, Charles Flynn, ABCHomes Program Director and Chairman of Improving Existing Facilities Committee, commented on the upgrading of children’s home facilities from dormitory-style to a more home-like atmosphere. Mrs. Cora Hatcher, retired Duplex Boys Cottage houseparent took the crowd on a short trip down memory lane, and thanked everyone for their prayers for the children and staff down through the years. Kelly Lindsey, current Duplex Girls houseparent spoke about the anticipated blessings and advantages that the new cottage would bring. Other speakers included Randy Luper, ABHC Campus Director, Susan Akin, ABCHomes board member and John Ross, ABCHomes Development Officer, who was most instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the new cottage.

With the partially demolished duplex looming in the background, various officials, dignitaries and board members, including County Judge Damon Lampkin, Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers, FBC Monticello pastor David Mitchell, Monticello School District Superintendent Bobby Harper, Monticello Elemenatary School Principal Tish Thomas and others, took their places behind their respective shovels for the ceremonial turning of dirt. Also participating were Maria B. and Michael B., 2 of the children who will call the new cottage home.

The Arkansas Baptist Home for Children has been in Monticello since it’s beginnings back in 1894, and is operated by ABCHomes, and agency of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.