Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home rededicates Williamson Hall
Published by Jeff September 26th, 2006 in News.
At 2:00 today, the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home rededicated its newly renovated Williamson Hall for use as administrative offices, welcome center, and orientation. The children’s home, located at the corner of Old Warren Road and Highway 425 South sits on 1009 acres of land that was puchased in 1923 for use as a long-term children’s ministry.
About 200 people, including former residents, were in attendance to celebrate the completion of what is the cap of the organization’s capital program. Williamson Hall was built in 1932 and was originally a dormitory facility for girls but has not been used in that way in several years. There is an excellent history of the children’s home on their website.
Jim Williamson, great grandson of the home’s founder, Lulu Williamson, spoke during the dedication ceremonies. He said, “The 1941 death of Lulu marked the end of an era. Lulu’s dauntless courage and indomitable spirit” helped lead the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home to its present strength of ministry and service.
Lynn Whaley, CEO of Vera Lloyd, commented, “96 years after the first children were brought to the daycare center, her vision and mission continues.”
Williamson Hall has had extensive renovation. New windows, wiring, offices, bathrooms, and an elevator have been added. There are hardwood floors throughout, donated by Maxwell Hardwood Flooring. Other donors include the Walton Family Foundation, the Mabee Foundation, the Williamson family, the Murphy Family Foundation, Lynn and Nancy Warden, Wesley Donaldson, Jane Lucky, and many other gifts from churches, memorials, and individuals. Artwork throughout the building was provided by Arkansas artists.
Zach McClendon, CEO of Union Bank, spoke to the crowd, and said, “Monticello has not always appreciated what Vera Lloyd does for this community. We take it for granted. In addition to the service and ministry it performs for countless children, it adds more than $1 million in economic benefits to our community through salaries and services.”
“In my eyes, Williamson Hall was always a symbol. It was where we ate our meals and where the girls lived,” former resident of Vera Lloyd, Bob Scott told a laughing crowd. “Better than a symbol, however, it is a standard. The facility is like a flag, a battle banner,” that is flown high for a high purpose.
Last year, 190 children seeking protection, provision, and guidance were admitted and served through the Monticello ministry.
Possibly Related:
Congrats to Donald Teater and the staff at Vera Lloyd…most certainly a lighthouse in a dark world for our children. The new renovations look great!
Jeff, I enjoyed the pictures of Vera Lloyd Home for Children. I feel so blessed to be apart of the home and happy to see excitment in Monticello about the mission going on there.
HeY!
love the pictures on flickr especially the one of the sign that says “We dedicate this renovation to the glory of God!”
keep up the good work this is a great sight, and i love to find the local news on the computer instead of going into to town and buying a paper.
Jeff,
What a wonderful site.
The pictures of the Home were marvelous. Thank you for taking the time to capture these wonderful memories.
Virginia Scott
Former Resident ‘53-’58
Just a note to thank Virginia Scott and Vera Lloyd CEO Lynn Whaley for coming to Pennsylvania to interview my mother Martha Powell Flocco who was raised at Vera Lloyd from the time she was seven years old until she graduated from the original Monticello High School (from 1924-1935). She and her sister Frances Powell Droke spoke with fond memories of Lulu “mother” Williamson costantly while we were growing up.
It was Virginia Scott (Vera Lloyd–1953-1958) and Lynn Whaley who motivated my brother James and me to visit Monticello for the dedication and we are so glad we flew down to see where our mother was raised and to meet Mother Williamson’s great grandchildren, Jim Williamson and Lillian McClerkin.
Thank you Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home for all you have done for the Powells and the Floccos. For Martha E. Powell met a Presbyterian officer from Philadelphia named Captain Thomas D. Flocco–who retired a Lt. Colonel (1906-1980–in Memphis during World War II and that had a lot to do with my brother and me!
Our mother is 89 and while she is ailing, she is in good spirits in a nursing home here in the Philadelphia suburbs. She is one of two who are the oldest surviving original children at Vera Lloyd. Thank you again for your hospitality and for such a beautiful restoration of our mother’s home!
Tom Flocco
TomFlocco@cs.com