Summersville Academic Complex commemorates the start of construction with Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony

By RealWV Staff,

GLADE CREEK, W.Va. – “It has been a long time coming and we are happy to get this started,” said Nicholas County Board of Education member Roy Moose, while attending Saturday’s Masonic Lodge Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for the new K-8 Summersville Academic Complex. The age-old ceremony was held at the school’s Glade Creek location, and presided over by Nicholas County Superintendent of Schools Terrence Beam.

“We are very excited to finally start this school,” Nicholas County Board of Education President Chip Perrine said after the ceremony. “It has been too long coming. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and construction can prove quick and without anymore delay.”

There was a crowd of onlookers and well-wishers in attendance, and Superintendent Beam welcomed all to the site of the new school. He spoke of the unity and dedication which the county needs to focus on. After Beam was through delivering his remarks, the colors were presented by the Nicholas County JROTC. Members of the NCHS band, under the direction for Roger Akers played the national anthem.

Beam then welcomed local minister and preacher, Aaron Evans, to give the invocation. Mr. Evans read Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it – and then asked the blessing of God for protection for the youth, healing in the county, and growth of wisdom.

Next up was Nicholas County Commission President Garret Cole, who said, “What I think we need to look at is that all kids will benefit, and all kids will be in the school. The BOE is tasked with educating our youth, but it takes the whole community to help these kids.”

After President Cole spoke, Superintendent Beam introduced Bruce Carroll, the Grand Master of Masons of West Virginia, to conduct the ritual of the stone laying ceremony.

Before laying the stone, members of the Summersville Masonic lodge added items, such as a newspaper, pins, Masonic bylaws, and business cards of various members of the BOE and county commission, to a time capsule.

The Nicholas County schools were destroyed in the June 2016 flood, and the Summersville Academic Complex is set to be completed in 2027.