City Hall Celebrates Centennial Kick-off

Posted on: August 15, 2014

Mayor Johnny Magee was greeted by several past mayors, neighboring mayors, dignitaries and councilmen. Yet, his message was a personal one. “This is your building. This is your City Hall,” Magee said, on Thursday August 14 on the front steps of City Hall in front of hundreds that gathered to celebrate. Among attenders were past Laurel mayors Susan Vincent and Melvin Mack. Ellisville mayor Tim Waldrup and Hattiesburg mayor Johnny Dupree were also in attendance. There was a cross-section of people from all backgrounds and ages there – from Gabriel Hill born in 2014 to Mrs. Lizzie Mann, who at 101 years of age was alive when the building was dedicated on November 21, 1914. City employees from the Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Fire and Police departments all joined in with City Hall employees and the City Hall Centennial Committee. Ms. Katrina Cox gave a rousing rendition of the National Anthem as Mr. John Guice prayed for the city and its leaders. Mr. Cleveland Payne gave tribute to the role that City Hall played in many of its uses during the last 100 years. Brightly colored balloons were distributed to people in the crowd and with a short countdown all 100 balloons were released to cheers.