GALLERY: Area residents unite for second ‘Andalusia Reads the Declaration’
Published 2:45 pm Thursday, July 3, 2025
The First Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church Handbell Choir provided handbells and other equipment. Pictured are, from left, Sandra Green, Handbells Leader Hannah Cross, and Carol-Ann Mullins. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
Area residents reading the Declaration pictured are, from left, Rev. Jimmie Samuel, Olivia Ennis, and Councilman Presley Boswell. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
Area residents reading the Declaration pictured are, from left, Event Coordinator Dr. Steve Hubbard, Hazel Bryant, Charles Hunter, and Maria Thingpen. (PHOTOS BY ZACK MAIO)
Area residents reading the Declaration pictured are, from left, Jeff Cross, Taylor White, Nancy Robbins, and Frank Shaffer. (PHOTOS BY ZACK MAIO)
Pictured at Andalusia City Hall welcoming attendees to the program are, from left, Barbara Clark, Kristy White, Madison White, and Caroline McCall. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
The Old Three Notch DAR chapter provided refreshments after the program. Pictured are, from left, Wynne Glenn, Sue Bass Wilson, Regent Carol-Ann Mullins, Linda Castleberry, Barbara Clark, Stephanie Smith, Linda Moore, and Caroline McCall. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
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Andalusia, one of the most patriotic cities in Alabama and the United States, celebrated its second annual “Andalusia Reads the Declaration” program at the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, July 1.
Event coordinator Dr. Steve Hubbard explained that the inspiration for the reading came from a longstanding National Public Radio tradition. Every Fourth of July, NPR’s Morning Edition broadcasts a reading of the Declaration of Independence with each journalist reading a different section.
“The idea is that each person reads a portion before passing the baton to the next reader. Hearing the Declaration read aloud in a place like Andalusia City Hall adds depth and meaning,” Hubbard said. “City Hall offers a more authentic setting compared to a classroom, similar to the public venues where the Declaration would have been read in 1776. The rehearsals and the addition of bells also bring a dramatic quality that you just can’t replicate in a classroom.”
Hubbard began the event by welcoming attendees and providing historical context. The reading of the Declaration followed with community members taking turns to read each section aloud. Hannah Cross, Sandra Green, and Carol-Ann Mullins served as bell ringers during select segments and added an extra layer of reverence to the program.
“I’m truly honored that Dr. Hubbard asked me to lead the handbells portion starting last year,” Cross said. “He had the vision, and I was grateful to help bring it to life. This year, we used the handbells from the First Presbyterian Church again, and the First Baptist Church Handbell Choir generously lent us some of their equipment to make the reading even more special.”
The event concluded with Cross leading the audience in a heartfelt rendition of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
“I’m so thankful to Dr. Hubbard for his vision behind the Declaration reading. We study the Declaration in school, but hearing it read aloud in its entirety makes it come alive. It brings us closer to understanding the concerns of those who fought for our freedom. I hope this event continues to grow, and that more people attend in the future. It’s a priceless opportunity to reflect on the ideals upon which our country was founded,” Cross said.
The readers of the Declaration included William Avant, Presley Boswell, Ben Bowden, Hazel Bryant, Michael Byars, Don Cotton, Terry Craig, Jeff Cross, Jennifer Dinwiddie, Anna Bell Ennis, Olivia Ennis, Nancy Everett, Mattie Freeney, Michele Gerlach, Shannon Glenn, Harriet Hubbard, Charles Hunter, Earl Johnson, Rhett Johnson, James Lopez, John McAnulty, Bryan Mercado, Greg Powell, Nancy Robbins, Wayne Ross, Margo Russell, Diana Glover Samuel, Jimmie Samuel, Tom Savage, Frank Shaffer, Maria Thigpen, Jan White, and Taylor White.
Gerry Richards, the City of Andalusia’s Director of Information Technology, provided sound support for the program.
The Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution provided refreshments in the lobby after the program.
“I love that this patriotic event brings together so many different people from our community. It really makes me reflect on the tenacity and strength of those people who banded together to fight for their independence 250 years ago,” Old Three Notch DAR Chapter Regent Carol-Ann Mullins said.
Cross, who joined the DAR in 2019, added that the chapter has grown stronger over the years.
“The DAR works tirelessly across the nation and globally to honor the patriots who fought for our independence. Being part of such a service-oriented and patriotic organization reminds me to think beyond myself and find ways to honor both those who have passed and those who continue to serve.”
Reflecting on Andalusia’s deep military roots, Cross noted that the city’s strong sense of patriotism is in part due to its large veteran population.
“I come from a military family: my father, uncle, and grandfather all served in the Air Force, and many of my great uncles and great-grandfathers served as well. My brother-in-law is currently active duty in the Air Force. There are many families like mine in our community, and it’s our collective love and respect for veterans that make Andalusia such a special place. We may be small, but we are fiercely patriotic and mighty to boot,” she said.
For more information about Andalusia Reads the Declaration email Hubbard at lbwcc1984@gmail.com.
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