State legislators sworn in at Village

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Shelby County&8217;s state senators and representatives took their oath of office Sunday at the American Village in Montevallo.

Alabama Supreme Court Justice and Shelby County native Patti Smith administered the oath of office to senators Hank Erwin and Jabo Waggoner, as well as representatives Greg Canfield, Mike Hill, Jimmy Martin, Mary Sue McClurkin and Cam Ward.

Before the oaths were taken, a prayer service was held at 2 p.m. at the Village&8217;s Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel. The service featured readings from the Old and New Testaments, special music by the gospel group &8220;Track 7&8221; and remarks by Dr. Harry Reeder, pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

Following the service, there was a procession from the Chapel to the front steps of Washington Hall, where Rep. Seth Hammet, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, gave a keynote address.

American Village Director Tom Walker said he was honored that the Village could host such a special day and reminded the audience of the importance of supporting elected officials as they make important decisions.

&8220;What is taking place today is the culmination of what we teach 400,000 students a year from across Alabama and Southeast,&8221; said Walker