(Last month I was honored to be asked to deliver remarks at the rededication of our old Courthouse. As I reflected on the significance of this grand old building that has become the visible symbol of Lexington, I came to a deeper appreciation of what a true treasure we have. The following article was published in the October 9 Dispatch and includes many of the remarks I made at the September 11 rededication.)
She
stands tall and proud, the exemplary emblem of our community. The six stalwart Corinthian columns are
resolute, as they have been for 157 years, supporting the patterned entablature
beneath the rising pediment crowned by the lofty cupola that holds the faithful
old clock marking the minutes, hours, and days of our lives. Having served as a “Temple of Justice” for a
century, our antebellum old Courthouse has emerged from a year of obscured
renovations as the most significant and distinguished landmark in our county. She has become the shining light of our
community, the symbol of our spirit, the herald of our history, and the visible
declaration of our democracy.
Davidson
County was growing in the 1850s when the North Carolina Railroad came through,
the trains stopping a short walk from what was then called Washington
Square. There was an old well on the
Square and they said if you ever drank the water, you would always return to Lexington. The flourishing young county had outgrown the
existing courthouse, a two-story brick building at the very center of the
Square. In the spring of 1857,
construction began on a majestic new courthouse of Greek Revival design, the most
popular architectural brand of the era to mark a young flourishing America,
still largely agrarian and Jeffersonian, where the greatest minds were engaged
in perfecting society rather than building commerce.
When
the Courthouse opened in October of 1858, the Greensboro Patriot reported: ...by far the best Court House we ever
saw, and the finest in the state. The citizens of Davidson may well be proud of
the beautiful and magnificent temple of Justice which they have erected; it
will stand for ages as a monument both of their taste and liberality, while the
stranger in passing will involuntarily stop to gaze on its beautiful
proportions, its majestic columns, and admire the artistic skill of the master
workmen, which is so admirably and tastefully displayed in every part of the
building.
Powerful, persuasive, and
compelling voices echoed through the second story court chamber for a full
century, demanding justice, pleading for mercy, calling for action and
searching for truth. The imposing
structure has witnessed great joy and heart-wrenching distress as lives were
changed, fortunes were made and lost, and justice was served in the packed
courtroom. Beyond the articulate voices
of the barristers and the magistrates, the old house has heard the eloquence of
North Carolina governors, senators, and politicians of every persuasion. Political rallies, community meetings, religious
gatherings, and patriotic observances have been held within those sacred walls.
Soldiers left for both World Wars from her steps and memorial services were
held in her shadows.
After 100 years of
service, Davidson County moved into a new courthouse in 1958, leaving Judge
L.A. Martin, a prolific author known for his Dispatch articles, “Around Court
Square” to lament: “They may move the
courthouse, but they can never move court square. They can never remove the atmosphere, the
tradition, the history, nor the memories of the Old Courthouse I have
known.”
After being largely
abandoned for a time, the old Courthouse later became home to the Davidson
County Historical Museum, but the aging house was failing. A major and costly renovation would be necessary
to guarantee the iconic landmark would stand for future generations. The County Commissioners recognized the need,
made the commitment, and last month the newly renovated Old Courthouse was
rededicated with a new mission for a new day.
She has never looked
better, almost dazzling as the morning sun reflects off her beauty. In a couple of weeks she will be the
centerpiece of our annual celebration as 200,000 will gather in her presence to
enjoy Lexington BBQ. This grand old building
is much more than a home for our history and the focal point of our
Square. Our “Greek Temple” proclaims the
birth of Western Democracy, of government of the people, by the people, and for
the people. As long as the Corinthian
columns stand tall and resolute, we are reminded of who we are as a free people
in a democratic society grounded on laws and justice. As the
proud old edifice has withstood decades of adversity from the passing of time,
the changing seasons and severe weather, her renewed presence will decree the
powerful truth that right will prevail, evil will be defeated, and justice and
righteousness will triumph.
And while we no longer
have a public well on the Square, we do have a magnificent monument to freedom,
justice, and righteousness. The stranger
in passing will not only stop to gaze at her beauty, but will surely return to
Lexington. May God bless this building
for generations to come.
