Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Angel of Hope for Covington County is one step closer to completion after committee members gathered at Robinson Park for the arrival of the statue’s pedestal Monday.

The bronze angel statue will be unveiled during a dedication ceremony Sunday, Sept. 24, beginning at 2 p.m.

“I don’t think I can find the right words to tell you what this means. We started this project about 20 months ago, and it has been a long journey, but the good Lord has been with us every step of the way. We have had a lot of bumps, twists, and turns, and today, the pedestal has arrived. It’s 13,000 pounds and I can see it but can’t grasp that much weight. We had to have a crane brought in for the weight of the pedestal and will wait until next week to place the angel. We would like to invite the public to join us for this special occasion,” Angel of Hope Organizer Carol Moore said.

Moore added that memorial bricks surrounding the statue would be available for purchase at the ceremony. The first option is a 4” x 8” engraved brick with the child’s name, birth date, and death date will sell for $125. The second is an 8” x 8” granite square for $325 and will also be engraved.

“This will be our first opportunity to offer memorial bricks to the community. We feel blessed knowing all of our children have gone on before us, know what is going on, and have pushed us over the line. I had a lady tell me last year she wanted to buy a brick in memory of an uncle-in-law who passed away when she was a child. She never knew him but wanted to do this in his memory. There are a lot of different reasons for buying these memorial bricks.”

After last year’s successful Angel of Hope Day, organizers have a similar day planned for this year on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tisdale Street in Andalusia.

“We had lots of compliments last year from vendors and citizens. That’s the very reason we are doing it again. In addition to vendors, there will also be food, music, and fun, so we are going to go for it and see how it will turn out. We couldn’t do this without the community and have had such an outpouring amount of support. That’s what makes Andalusia special and that we are there for one another. I know the support will continue as we get busy preparing for the November event,” she said.

Moore stated last year’s events would return in November with the addition of a car show. “Run for an Angel” registration begins at 8 a.m. before a 4K race at 9 a.m. and a mile run/walk at 10 a.m. All proceeds will go toward Angel of Hope expenses.

“We are having the 5K, but it will be at City Hall. We hope the car show will entertain men while their wives are shopping in the market. We will have a cake auction on Wednesday, Nov. 15, and Thursday, Nov. 16, at Mr. Mattress and Home. Pickup will be on Friday, Nov. 17. All types of vendors are welcomed and appreciated. We are now a 501(c)(3) organization of our very own and appreciate all the help from the Covington County Partnership for Children last year. Having our own organization makes us feel a little independent.”

As longtime residents of Andalusia, the Moores are grateful for the community’s support.

“David and I were both reared here in Covington County and went to high school here. We got married and went away but came back. I taught at Church Street, and this angel is going to be standing outside the very classroom I taught for so many years. We have had tremendous support, and it comes from all ages and walks of life. We are so grateful, and God has been so good to us. We are almost at the end of our journey,” Moore said.

For more information call Carol Moore at 334-488-0659 or visit the Angel of Hope for Covington County Facebook page.