SIMMONS STATUE TO BE UNVEILED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 9, 2001

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Elpis Incorporated (Agape Ministries of Charleston) and the Philip Simmons Foundation announce the dedication of the Philip Simmons Children's Garden -- 1st Phase -- "The Unveiling," a Piccolo Spoleto sponsored event.

"The Unveiling" represents the inaugural dedication phase of the Philip Simmons Children's Garden. The Garden will be located on the corner of Blake and East Bay streets at the entrance of the Josiah Smith Tennant House, a full-service facility for community residents.

The Philip Simmons Children's Garden will commemorate the artistic skill and social contributions of its world-renowned namesake. It will feature a sculptured depiction of Jesus washing the feet of a child; the sculpture of the famous ironworker (Mr. Simmons), along with a history of his work; and a water wall in honor of Mrs. T.C. Drayton, a deceased community leader. An 8-foot wrought-iron gate, designed by Mr. Simmons, and a decorative wrought-iron fence, will enclose the entire garden.

Dallas H. Wilson Jr, ThD (Brother Dallas), president of Agape Ministries of Charleston, says, "The Philip Simmons Children's Garden will serve as a place of honor, beauty, healing and new life for where all people can come to witness the power of community revitalization."

Elsa McDowell (of the Charleston Post and Courier) in her Sunday, May 13, 2001, column stated, "Philip Simmons was surprised [when he saw the statue]. He knew about plans for a Philip Simmons Children's Garden...He didn't know it [the statue] was to be a focal point for the garden. Had he known, he likely would have demurred. Philip Simmons didn't set out to be a bridge between black and white or rich and poor. He didn't set out to be a national treasure. He set out to do what his grandfather tried to do, to live a good, faithful life. What better person to cast in bronze?"

Mr. Simmons' works are currently displayed in the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum of International Folk art and several other prestigious instituions. He has been awarded numerous awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor given by the Naitonal Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact Brother Dallas, 843.534.0201.

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