The Dedication

Sunday, April 5, we are treated to a chicken barbecue at the Effinger Fire Department, a delicious reminder of the warm Virginia hospitality by the Effinger community. Following our feast, on the hillside behind the school, we gather for a dedication ceremony for the Gazebo, with music and words of appreciation to all of the many donors to the project.

The sun is shining and the musicians in tune — good omens for the raising in just a few days. Jane Harris, President of the Effinger PTA and human dynamo who organized the many donations and days' events, welcomes the group, and John Reeves, formerly of VMI, applauds the VMI tradition of service to others as the current crop of cadets are doing.

There follow presentation of certificates of appreciation to North Fork Lumber for the wood donations, Col. Grigg Mullen, First Classman J.P. Morris on behalf of the cadets, and Joel McCarty for the Guild. To conclude the ceremony, the musical group "Listen" perform a song written for the occasion, with music and lyrics by J. Mark Jones:

We're working on a building.
Just working on a building.
Yes, working on a building for the Lord.
Working on a building.
Working on a building.
Been working on a building for the Lord.

It's gonna be strong and new.
It will stand tall and true.
Gonna call it a "Gaz-e-boo" when we get through.

The Timber Framers Guild
Really know how to build.
Because they're super skilled at what they do.
They'll make joints smooth and tight.
They'll cut each piece just right.
Then assemble it on the site of this "Gaz-e-boo."

Grigg Mullen's Keydette crew
Know a bit about building, too.
But will learn a few things new 'bout the framers' art.
They'll chisel, and chop and plane.
They'll grunt, and heave and strain
Then do it all over again to do their part.

Upon completion of the raising, a plaque will commemorate the building and its builders:

April 1998
This Gazebo was built by the Timber Framers Guild and Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute with assistance from Friends of Effinger School to honor and benefit the people of the Effinger Community. It is hoped that the hard work and sacrifice of many generous people from throughout the country who made this structure possible will be remembered each time that it is used and that the friendships forged here will be as strong and lasting as these beams.

Effinger Elementary School

Bob Gilbert, School Board, Buffalo District; Eileen Head, Effinger School Principal; Dr. Glen Stark, School Superintendent

The musicians of the group "Listen," with Mark Jones, Ray Bouin, and Harold Conklin Grigg Mullen accepting a certificate of appreciation

Joel McCarty accepting for the Guild

J.P. Morris and representative accepting for North Fork Lumber