CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTS TODAY
ON SIMMONS CHILDREN'S GARDEN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2001

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Construction of the Philip Simmons Children's Garden, a revitalization in the heart of the Eastside community in downtown Charleston, started today.

Organizers of the project say they expect it to be finished by the end of the year. A dedication is planned for Dec. 2, 2001.

Construction is being supervised and implemented by a host of professionals who are volunteering their efforts, including:

• The Greenery Inc., of Mount Pleasant
• DesignWorks LC of Charleston
• Carolina Nurseries of Moncks Corner
• Peithos Construction Co.

The Garden, a project of Elpis Incorporated (Agape Ministries of Charleston, is located at the corner of Blake and East Bay streets at the entrance of the Josiah Smith Tennant House.

Named for master blacksmith Philip Simmons, the Garden will feature a sculpture of Mr. Simmons, a water wall in honor of the late Thelma "T.C." Drayton and a life-size sculptured depiction of Jesus washing the feet of a child. It also will have an 8-foot wrought-iron gate designed by Mr. Simmons. A wrought-iron fence will enclose the garden.

For more information, contact Brother Dallas, 843.853.0060.