Rededication of Courthouse Drew Crowd

Photos courtesy Andy Chandler

By Andy Chandler

Residents of Montgomery County and individuals representing multiple civic groups in Crawfordsville, gathered at the Montgomery County Courthouse for the rededication after a lengthy restoration process. In total about 100 people were in attendance.

The lineup of speakers included County Commissioner Dan Guard, Judge Heather Barajas, architect Henry Stellema and Tom Meeks, Associate Director of the Lew Wallace Study. 

The invocation was performed by Pastor Tim Luekin of Woodland Heights Christian Church. Channeling his inner John Adams, Pastor Luekin prayed that none but the wise and prudent judge within the walls.

The ceremony was also attended by Randolf Seipel, Grand Master of the Freemasons, as well as many of his brother Masons. Also in attendance were members of the Wabash College Sphinx Club, who participated in the ribbon cutting.

Barajas spoke about how much the courthouse meant to her and her development in the legal profession. She spoke of how she would spend many a night there as an employee and student studying for the bar. “I’d bring my air mattress and sleep in the basement.” 

Meeks spoke of a similar ceremony that occurred in 1875 during the first dedication. At that time, Meeks recounted, Gen. Lew Wallace himself was the keynote speaker and spoke for nearly an hour until it started to rain, at which point they had to reconvene inside a nearby building. Meek’s speech did not eclipse the one hour mark, and the rain held off during the ceremony. 

After the dedication, those present were encouraged to go inside and walk through the hallways and enjoy snacks and pizza.