The new Lander University chapter of Habitat for Humanity marked the completion of its first house with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site on campus where the house was built.
The house has been moved to its permanent location in Kirksey Forest, in South Greenwood. Final touches will be put on it there, with participation by the family awarded ownership.
The ceremony included a blessing of the house by Chad Charles, executive director of the Greenwood area chapter of Habitat for Humanity, with which the Lander chapter has partnered. Charles expressed the hope that the house would "be a refuge for peace and serenity" for those who dwell in it.
He said that the partnership between the Greenwood and Lander chapters of Habitat for Humanity has been "fantastic and wonderful." The completion of the house on schedule by the students, faculty, staff and area residents who worked on it "shows a community that's united," he said.
The program included a presentation by Lander Assistant Professor of Art Sandy Singletary of a decorative towel rack, kitchen mural and wall painting that Lander art students created for the house to make it unique.
The ceremony concluded with a tour of the three bedroom, two bath house by those present.
The Lander chapter of Habitat for Humanity is an initiative of First Lady Jessica Cosentino. Lander President Dr. Rich Cosentino said the completion of the new chapter's first house "is a big deal for Jessie and me."
He thanked the many people who worked on "the first of many Habitat homes" that will be built at Lander.