The inauguration of the City of Laurel’s newly elected officials Friday morning was nothing less than the grand event anticipated.

The memorable event was most-fitting for the Arabian Theater as it contained many characters with various different roles. From the many soloists and speakers on the program to a surprise appearance of a professional football player, the event was informative and memorable.

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack and the city’s seven members of the Laurel City Council all took their oaths of office Friday before a filled auditorium.

Mack, who four years ago became the first African American mayor in the City of Laurel, officially began his second term as mayor with his wife, Doneater Mack, at his side.

Circuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum administered the oath of office to Mack, who gained his re-election with the support of 86.19 percent of the voters taking part in the June 2 election.

Judge Frank McKenzie administered the oath of office to the city’s seven council persons — including six incumbents.

Ward One Councilperson Willie L. Evans, who is beginning her second four-year term; Ward Two Councilman Tony Wheat, who is beginning his second four-year term; Ward Three Councilman Tony Thaxton, who was first elected to serve an unexpired term following the death of a councilman Friday began serving his first four-year term as Ward Three representative; Ward Four Councilman George Carmichael, who is beginning his second four-year term; Ward Five Councilman Manuel Jones, began his fifth four-year term; Ward Six Councilman Johnny Magee, who is beginning his fourth four-year term; and Ward Seven Councilman Trey Chinn, who is beginning his first term as an elected official.

Various officials had family members to take part in the ceremony with the holding of the Bible.

Margaret Jones, the 90-year-old mother of Councilman Jones, held the Bible while her son took his oath.

Councilman Chinn took his first oath of office as an elected official with his parents at his side.

Mack, in his mayoral’s address, thanked everyone for supporting him and coming out to be a part of this special time in his life.

Wanda Benson with the city’s Public Relations Office said efforts were made to include all segments of the community in the special event.

Christ’s Church Choir prepared the audience for the event while Albert Ray of Morning Star Baptist Church mesmerized the crowd with his rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Other participants on the special program include Donna Williams with the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, the 41st Army Band, Jennifer Hathorn, Rev. Bobby Ray Bolton of Sweet Hope Baptist Church, the Laurel Police Department’s Honor Guard, Boy Scout Troop #29 of Second Allen A.M.E. Church and Father Jeff Reich of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Also during the event, professional football player Clinton Portis, a native of Laurel and a player with the Washington Redskins, made a brief stop at the ceremony.

“This is a wonderful event,” Portis said. “I just came to show my appreciation to the mayor.”

Several speakers Friday praised Mack and other city officials for the jobs that they are doing.

“There’s a lot of great expectation put on the first,” said Rev. Vernon Graves. “Mr. Mack has met those challenges and triumphed.”

Mitch Stennett with the EDA of Jones County praised Mack and the council for their commitment to economic development.

“Mayor Mack and the City Council are receptive to economic development,” Stennett said. “We have a mutual goal to improve the quality of life and standard of living here in Laurel and Jones County.”

Alvin Cooke, who presided over the program, challenged the officials to remain humble.

Referring to Proverbs 5:33, Cooke said, “”It’s your humbleness that has brought you this far.”

During his mayoral address, Mack praised the city’s department heads and officials, as well as the members of the Laurel City Council, for their work to make the City of Laurel great.

“Things are looking good,” Mack said. “Things are booming in Laurel.”

Mack challenged the City Council and citizens to “Let’s continue to work together. ... Let’s move Laurel forward.”

Also during the event, Randy Meador and Cindy Sanderson presented a video presentation showcasing the first four years of Mack’s administration.

Following Friday’s Oath of Office Ceremony, the public then attended a reception at the YWCO on Oak Street.