A NEW ERA OF PUBLIC SERVICE BEGINS
The third day of the New Year marked the beginning of a new era of public service for Donny Lambeth.
Before more than 100 family members and friends from his years at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board and in the Moravian community, Donny was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from Forsyth County, District 75. Justice Paul Newby of the North Carolina Supreme Court administered the Oath of Office in a ceremony at the Old Salem Visitors Center January 3. Newby spoke in the historic setting as he cited the founders of the Moravian settlement as an example of American forefathers who hungered in their souls for freedom. Newby referenced the authority that citizens grant to their representatives in the General Assembly to protect their rights and freedom. Donny’s wife of 39 years, Pam, held the Bible as Justice Newby administered the oath. They were joined on stage by their four daughters, grandchildren and other relatives. Donny told the crowd he had completed orientation, had a seat in the Chamber and a parking permit in the Legislative Building and would be officially sworn in January 9. Donny recognized retiring Rep. Bill McKee, his predecessor, retiring Rep. Dale Folwell who served with Donny on the School Board, and Sen. Pete Brunstetter. Terry Hicks from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools stirred the audience with patriotic music from the 19th Century David Tannenburg pipe organ formerly housed in Home Moravian Church. The Ensemble from Donny’s alma mater, Parkland High School, under the direction of Jonathan Sidden sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.” Closing the ceremony with prayer was The Rev. Walter Bishop, pastor of Hopewell Moravian, the Lambeth family’s church in Winston-Salem. He called Donny a “man of faith.” Beverly’s of Midway provided the flowers, and Five Loaves catered the event. |
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