The Making of a Monument Part III
After almost two years of design, planning, and construction, the monument commemorating the first church built by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Parish of Sacramento was dedicated on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Located at mid-block on the south side of N Street between 5th & 7th Streets, the monument is located near where the original church stood and served Sacramento’s Greek Orthodox faithful from 1921 to 1953.
A team of designers, sculptors, contractors, and volunteers – led by Lionakis’ Project Manager, Richard Fuller – worked and collaborated closely over the weeks leading up to the monument’s installation and dedication. This monument pays homage to the founders of the Parish and the ensuing contributions of the Greek Orthodox Community to Sacramento. The original church was designed by Lionakis’ founder, George Sellon. Our previous posts here and here, detail how we got to this exciting conclusion.
Local Sculptor Ronnie Frostad was commissioned to create the bronze components of the design which included symbolic footprints set in the concrete around the monument, a dedication plaque, and a scale replica of the original church. Our colleagues at Clark Pacific took care of the design and fabrication of the monument pedestal and Rudolph and Sletten was the project’s General Contractor.
Cuiridh mi clach air do charn’ was Richard Fuller’s response to his feelings regarding the final results of the project. Cuiridh mi clach air do charn’ is a Scottish Gaelic blessing which translates in English to “I’ll put a stone on your cairn” and means, “I’ll always remember you.” Richard’s Scottish heritage also prompted him to “pour one out”, as in, a bit of whiskey, at the base of the monument as a sign of reverence for those who built the foundation of the Greek Orthodox Community of Sacramento.
Approximately 50 people attended the dedication, including local councilman Steve Hansen, Father James, the Annunciation’s current Pastor, Sculptor Ronnie Frostad, and dozens of Parishioners and guests. Special thanks go out to the Annunciation Senior League, John Home, John Powers, and Michael Ratajczak from Rudolph & Sletten, Dave Wenzl, Erik Winje and Team at Clark Pacific, Erin Lynch at H.C. Maddock, and Cesar Narvaez at the City of Sacramento.
