The Angel of Hope for Covington County was officially revealed during an exclusive dedication ceremony in Robinson Park on Sunday, September. 24 between 2 and 3 p.m.
It is known as the Angel of Hope is a bronze angel statue that is dedicated in memory of children who have passed away from Covington County. It is at 4 feet 3 inches high before being placed on a stand and has five feet and 2 inches. Based on the best-selling novelist the author of “The Christmas Box” Richard Paul Evans, the original statue is located at Salt Lake City, Utah. With more than 150 angels from The United States, Canada, and Japan, Evans created the Angel of Hope as a memorial to families who have lost a loved one.
“It’s amazing to be able to welcome you everyone here today. The experience is beyond my expectations of everything. I didn’t anticipate to see what you’re seeing and a person asked me what my idea was. In reality, I let God control the situation and whatever we were able to accomplish was exactly what God wanted us to accomplish,” Angel of Hope organizer Carol Moore said.
Andalusia The Mayor Earl Johnson welcomed those in attendance at the ceremony.
“It is my pleasure to be able to welcome you today to the ceremony of dedication for the Angel of Hope for Covington County. Carol Moore and David Moore were motivated to design this memorial for lost children following tragedy struck their own grandson, John David Stroud, in a car accident. They were surrounded and aided by those who have lost grandchildren, children or siblings, as and the entire community. While I’ve, thankfully not suffered losses of grandchild or child however, I lost a sibling of my own as my brother Terry was killed in the crash of a plane. I was a witness to the pain from my grandparents. While I am aware this grief will never end I hope this memorial to the memory of the lost loved ones will provide a peaceful space to reflect on their lives and think about the impact their lives had on everyone else,” Johnson said.
Johnson stated that Johnson added that City of Andalusia was pleased to have a part in the development.
“We thank Carol and David and all those who collaborated with them in the building this memorial. We thank each of you for coming here today.”
Carol Moore and David Moore lost their first grandson John David, who was 17 years old, Stroud in a crash June 23rd 2021. After being inspired by their visits at different Angels of Hope in LaGrange, Georgia, and Dothan The Moores had a meeting along with Roger Powell, Michele Gerlach along with June Simpson and discussed the possibility of bringing a similar program to the area.
“John David’s accident completely transformed our lives. Today, we are not the people who used to be in the year 2021. I hope that God has transformed us and more aware of their needs and hurts. I knew that I needed to make a difference to help John David. Today, we’re present to bless the Angel of Hope for Covington County. This angel isn’t just dedicated to one particular city or person, but is for all of us.”
The 2nd year-long Day of Hope will be scheduled for Saturday, November. 18 between 9 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. in the Farmer’s Market located on Tisdale Street, in Andalusia. The proceeds from this event will go to finishing the second stage of the Angel of Hope for Covington County memorial at Robinson Park.
“We are inviting our community to come along for a holiday craft fair, food stalls along with a 5K and a 1 mile fun run, museum visits at the Three Notch Museum, an antique car show, which is sponsored by Step One Automotive Group of Andalusia as well as live entertainment with local artists. The next step is fencing, benches outside and landscaping around the angel. The funds will also be donated to the families in our community grieving over the loss children with meals, baskets and bouquets of flowers. We will also be organizing a dedication ceremony for the angel, and the every year Day of Remembrance in December.”
Angel of Hope Angel of Hope will serve as a space for reflection and rememberance for parents who are grieving and those affected by the loss of children at any stage. It will also be accessible every day to the public. The garden is located in central part of the gardens The Angel is enclosed by the memorial bricks that commemorate children in our community who suffered loss of life. A black fence surrounds the garden and angel.
“This will be a fantastic day of fun for the whole family with shopping for distinctive gifts for the coming holiday season, delicious food, and excellent entertainment. We’re hoping to see another successful participation, so mark this date on your calendars and plan to come out to support us for an amazing charity,” Moore said.
Anyone who wants to participate as a vendor in the upcoming Day of Hope are asked to contact Lisa Hammon at 334-248-4604 or Margaret Bennett at 334-303-9631.
Carol Moore and David Moore are the parents of Allison (Scott) Harris and Meredith (Tim) Jordan and are grandparents to John David Stroud, Spencer Stroud as well as Wilson Stroud.
For more information, visit for more information visit the Angel of Hope for Covington County Facebook page or contact Carol Moore at 334-488-0659.
The article Covington County Angel of Hope statue is unveiled in Robinson Park appeared first on The Andalusia Star-News.
