House Concurrent Resolution 139

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING JUNE 3, 2003, THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF MISSISSIPPI'S NEW CAPITOL, AS THE DATE FOR CEREMONIES HONORING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE BUILDING AND DEDICATION OF THE NEW CAPITOL.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Capitol, known as the "New Capitol" since it succeeded the old statehouse in 1903, has been a handsome and impressive landmark in the capital city of Jackson since that time; and

WHEREAS, the best and most lavish example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture in Mississippi and particularly admired for its rich interior decoration, the New Capitol was extensively renovated and its historical architectural elements restored in 1979-1982; and

WHEREAS, actual work on the building was begun January 1, 1901 - the first day of the month and of the year and of the century - and was completed according to schedule August 20, 1903, at a cost of $1,093,641.00; and

WHEREAS, the State House Commission, with the Governor as ex officio president, found the capitol building and grounds in good condition for laying the cornerstone, and in formal exercises dedicated the capitol on the anniversary of Jefferson Davis's birthday, June 3, 1903; and

WHEREAS, the dedication of the New Capitol drew "The Largest Crowd Ever Assembled in the City of Jackson" according to the headline in the Weekly Clarion-Ledger of June 4, 1903, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people present at the grand parade and dedication ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, the 100th anniversary of the building and original dedication of the New Capitol will occur on June 3, 2003, and this event is worthy of celebration of this great work of historical preservation by the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That June 3, 2003, the 100th anniversary of the building and original dedication of Mississippi's New Capitol, is designated by the Legislature as the date for ceremonies honoring the centennial celebration of the building and dedication of the New Capitol.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the people of the state are cordially invited to attend the centennial celebration ceremonies of their New Capitol, and that copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mayor of the City of Jackson, to all elected state officials and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.