Cherokee County Marks Historic Courthouse Transition with Ceremony Honoring Past, Present, and Future

CENTRE— It was a day of the past, the present, and the future in Centre on Friday as Cherokee County officially marked the transition from its longtime courthouse to a new, modern facility.

In many towns—especially small towns—the courthouse is more than just a building. It is often the center of town in more ways than one. Sometimes that means its physical location, but more importantly, it serves as a symbolic center. Courthouses stand as the embodiment of justice, upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional rights, and providing a neutral place where disputes are resolved. They are places where public safety is maintained, where government business is conducted, and where communities gather. They foster civic pride, support local economies, and serve as enduring symbols of stability and democracy.

As was reflected throughout Friday’s ceremony, courthouses are also where life happens. Marriages begin there, and sometimes end there. Records of births, family land, historic moments, and life-changing decisions are created and preserved there. For nearly 100 years—since 1937—those moments for Cherokee County took place inside the same building.

Now, that chapter has closed, and a new one has begun.

Events like this are often described as “once in a lifetime” or “once in a century,” and for Cherokee County, that description fit. The transition represents growth and progress, but it also carries a sense of reflection. While the historic courthouse will remain standing as a centerpiece of the community, stepping away from a place filled with so much history brings a natural sense of appreciation—and for some, a touch of sadness.

Friday’s ceremony balanced those emotions well, honoring those who came before while recognizing the effort, planning, and dedication that made the new courthouse possible. The Cherokee County Commission, local leaders, judges, the District Attorney’s Office, the Building Authority, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee County Chamber with many others, worked together to create a place Cherokee County can be proud of.

The ceremony began at the old courthouse, with Jerry Baker of WEIS Radio serving as emcee. In a meaningful and symbolic moment, the American flag and Alabama state flag were lowered for the final time at that location by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard and the Cherokee County Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard.

The flags were then presented to the Honorable Jack Livingston, a World War II Navy veteran who returned to Centre and dedicated his life to serving the county as both an attorney and circuit judge. Livingston, representing a generation of service tied closely to that courthouse, thanked each member of the honor guard before personally carrying the flags from the old courthouse to the new.

That walk became a parade—one that reflected the heart of Cherokee County.

Youth from across the county, including members of 4-H and student leadership organizations, took part alongside civic leaders, law enforcement, and firefighters. Many of those young people represent the future—future attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, veterans, and community leaders—moving forward together in a moment that connected generations.

The parade passed Centre Elementary School, where students were given the opportunity to step outside and watch. For those young students, it was a chance to see history firsthand—something they may one day look back on as part of their own story.

At the new courthouse, the focus turned to the present and the responsibility of those who serve today. Judge Livingston presented the flags back to the honor guard, and new flags were raised, symbolizing the continuation of service to both state and nation. The moment carried added significance as it comes during the America 250 celebration, marking 250 years of the nation’s history.

Eagle Scout Eason Hollingsworth led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ashley Mobley performed the National Anthem.

In a visible show of regional support, aviation units from Etowah and DeKalb counties conducted a helicopter flyover. Community leaders from surrounding areas were also in attendance to recognize and support the milestone.

Reverend Eddie Nation of First Baptist Church of Centre delivered the invocation over the day and the new building. Jerry Baker reflected on the two years since the courthouse groundbreaking before recognizing those in attendance.

Several distinguished guests and elected officials offered remarks, including State Representative Ginny Shaver, State Senator Andrew Jones, State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, Katherine Robertson, Chief Counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall, the Honorable Jeremy Taylor, Chief Justice Sarah Stewart, and Probate Judge Tim Burgess. The full ceremony and remarks are available on the WEIS Radio Facebook page.

Judge Burgess also took time to honor those who helped shape the foundation of the county’s judicial system, remembering Judge Kirk Day, Reverend Melton Salter, and the Honorable Al Shumaker. Their influence continues through those who serve today.

Throughout the day, one theme remained clear: while a courthouse may be a building, it is the people inside who give it meaning. The individuals who work there, who serve there, and who dedicate themselves to the community are what make it special—and Cherokee County, by all accounts, is served by some of the very best.

The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon cutting as confetti filled the air, marking the moment where past, present, and future came together. Ashley Mobley then led the crowd in “God Bless America,” and Lanny Starr of St. Mark’s Methodist Church delivered the benediction.

Following the ceremony, the new courthouse opened for public tours, giving residents the opportunity to see firsthand the result of two years of construction—and generations of progress leading up to it.

For Cherokee County, the building may be new, but the mission remains the same: to serve its people, uphold the law, and continue a legacy that has been nearly a century in the making.