Native son Robert Murray, President and CEO of Murray Energy Inc., was the featured speaker at the Bethesda Centennial Celebration on Saturday, July 10.
Murray, who grew up in Homeview Addition near the feed mill said it was "an extreme honor and privilege" to be chosen as speaker for the 100th anniversary of the village.
"Bethesda has provided an almost perfect place to grow and be educated for many of us," Murray said. "Our village has provided so many wonderful memories. Our annual, well-attended Bethesda High School Alumni Banquet is a tribute to the many caring, competent and absolutely wonderful educators who dedicated their lives to our growth."
Murray spoke about the history of the village, Epworth Park and the recently removed WWI memorial clock tower.
Murray said the clock will be restored and resurrected at a new, permanent location within the next year.
In conclusion Murray said, "The Village of Bethesda has been, and still is, a wonderful home for many of us. How fortunate we have been to have grown up and be educated here. Likewise, I am very fortunate to be honored to give the keynote address this day at the Bethesda Centennial Celebration."
Also speaking at the historic event were Belmont County Commissioners Ginny Favede and Matt Coffland, who presented Bethesda Mayor Martin Lucas will a proclamation honoring the village for 100 years.
"This is a special time for the village," said Mayor Lucas.
"Today we commemorate a resilient community known as Bethesda," said Board of Commissioners President Favede.
Favede said Murray, who is known nationally as a coal baron, has been at many important events in the village.
"That speaks volumes to what this town means to him," she said.
Coffland said he "discovered" Bethesda and Epworth Park while campaigning for county commissioner.
"This is one of the best kept secrets in Belmont County," Coffland said. "I never knew what was in Bethesda. It is a beautiful community with great people."
Recently appointed State Representative Joshua O'Farrell (D-New Philadelphia) was also there to present the village with a proclamation honoring its centennial. He is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing Harrison County and parts of Belmont and Tuscarawas County. The Ohio House of Representatives' Democratic Caucus appointed O'Farrell to this seat on June 1, 2010 to succeed Allan Sayre.
O'Farrell also presented Mary Dolan Heskett's daughter, Sandra, with a special recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives. Heskett, who will celebrate her 101st birthday in August, was honored as the Village Centurion by Mayor Lucas. Sandra represented Heskett, who was unable to attend.
"Bethesda is her home forever," Sandra said of her mother. "Bethesda is a special place for all of us."
Photo by Charlie Robb
Native son Robert Murray, President and CEO of Murray Energy Inc., was the featured speaker at the Bethesda Centennial Celebration on Saturday, July 10. Pictured (l-r) are Murray, Bethesda Mayor Martin Lucas, State Representative Joshua O'Farrell, Belmont County Commissioner Ginny Favede and Commissioner Matt Coffland.
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