 The day began with welcoming remarks and an opening prayer delivered
by Christian Village Administrator Jo Hilliard. Hilliard commented
that throughout the construction of the building, there had been
prayers led at certain phases of the construction. She said it was
only fitting to celebrate the conclusion of the process with prayer.
Hilliard also noted that Illinois Representative Tim Butler was on
the program for the day. However, he had sent his regrets that he
would not be in attendance because there was work to be done in the
capital. As a side note, this was the day in which the State of
Illinois, after a very long battle reached some interim compromises
in the budget building process and passed a stopgap budget to cover
the state through the end of this year.
Hilliard then introduced the first speaker of the day Lincoln Mayor
Marty Neitzel.
Neitzel commented on the quality of life for senior citizens in
Lincoln, and how that this service would be a rehab-to-home facility
that would allow seniors to come here out of the hospital and
prepare to go on home after rehab. Neitzel reiterated words spoken
early in the week in her mayoral address to the Lincoln City
Council, noting that quality of life was so important to all of us.
She concluded saying she was thankful that the Christian Village had
taken this initiative to assist local seniors in maintaining their
quality of life.
The next speaker was Christian Village’s Chief Executive Officer Dr.
Timothy Phillippe. Dr. Phillipe noted the dedication of the
Christian Village to the community. He reminded the audience that
the Christen Village had humble beginnings right here in Lincoln,
and that is now a large network throughout the region, serving
senior citizens and others in need of professional care. He said
hard work, honesty, integrity and concern for others were the values
upon which the corporation was founded, and that those values were
reflective of the community.
Phillippe thanked the whole community for its support through
donations as well as volunteerism. He noted that Christian Village
is a special place to work and that those who work for CV come and
stay for long periods of time. He noted in particular that Julie
King has been with the CV for 25 years. He noted that Jo Hilliard
began working for CV in 1990, and though she has left from time to
time, she continued to come back to this place to make her
professional home.
Terry Davis was the next speaker. Davis is the Director of Major and
Planned Gifts. He began by recalling that 50 years ago when
Christian Village was formed, the treasury contained less than
eleven dollars. Speaking of the money raised in donations for the
Vision Capital Campaign that financed GracePoint as well as the
Garden Village, more than $650,000 had been given thus far, and the
campaign is still going. He thanked the Woods Foundation for
donating a large portion of that sum.
Davis also noted that the Woods Foundation was responsible for much
of the construction of the Garden Villa. He said that building was
open and that guests could take a short bus ride over to the
facility for a tour there as well.
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Davis noted there was a tour of GracePoint going to take place in a few minutes.
He encouraged everyone to look for the donor plaques throughout the new wing,
honoring those who have given to the construction.
The ceremonial portion of the day began to come to an end with Christian Village
Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe coming to the podium.
Edgecombe recited the theme scripture for the day, printed on the program:
“Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and
find grace whenever we need help – Hebrews 4:16.
He spoke briefly about how that the Christian Village had grown continually
through the grace of God.
He then began the invocation prayer by asking that the audience participate in
the prayer. Calling to remembrance the words of the hymn Amazing Grace, he said
that at certain points during his prayer that he would cue to the audience to
join in with the prayer by saying the words, “Grace has brought us safe thus
far. And grace will lead us home.”
At the end of the prayer, representatives from the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber
of Commerce came to the front to lead in a ribbon cut at the front door of the
building. Those representing the chamber included Jean Bruner-Jachino, Kari
Adams, Maggie McMurtrey, and Chamber Ambassador Roy Logan.
Bruner-Jachino congratulated the Christian Village on their latest achievement.
She thanked the CV for asking the Chamber to be a part of the day’s celebration.
She said the Chamber is very proud of the CV and very excited for them for this
new addition to their offerings. Taking hold of the large scissor on behalf of
the CV were Phillippe and Hilliard. With a 3-2-1 countdown from the audience,
they snipped the ribbon and welcomed guests to come inside.
The building was open for self-guided tours that ended in the large dining area
where a buffet of hors d’oeuvres was served.
[Nila Smith]
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