WESTMINSTER, SC - Over 250 citizens gathered to wish the City of Westminster Happy Birthday on Monday afternoon in March, 2008.The newly donated Barrett Jones building on Main Street was the setting where lines of friends shared greetings and well wishes.

Mayor of the 133-year-old city, Derek Hodgin, posed with former mayors, Mr. Cecil Sandifer, Mr. Ed Watkins, Dr. Garland Johnson, and Dr. Harold Finley for an official picture. Former Mayors who sent regrets included Duke Cleveland, Vera Duke and Tom Green.

Members of the Westminster Area Historic Preservation Society (WAHPS), under the very able leadership of President R. T. Harris, manned the effort that was full of joy and excitement.
Gathered for the celebration were local business people, former business people, state legislators, city council members, county school board members, parks, recreation and tourism members, the Oconee Heritage Center curator, and many local residents.

The very talented Jane Suttles sang several beautiful vocals and the Foothill Ramblers played several wonderful selections. In addition to these wonderful volunteers was a large group of volunteers from WAHPS who worked to organize and implement the event including Perry Stancil and James Holcomb who grilled the 300 hot dogs.

I chatted with Mr. Waymon DeFoor who had a business on Westminster’s Main Street beginning in 1933 for over 35 years. He said, “ The event was wonderful for the city.” His wife, Mrs. Sarah Brown DeFoor, who worked at the City Hall for 22 years before her retirement several years ago, agreed with her husband. She said, “I enjoyed it very much.”

Miss Ruth Brown, whose father, Dr. R. F. Brown, was one of the first, if not the first, dentist in Westminster was in attendance.

Delicious birthday cake donated by Ingles and delightful fruit punch was served during the event. Westminster has been a hometown of honor and will be for many years to come. God Bless Westminster! God Bless the citizens!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESTMINSTER and many happy returns!