MAYVILLE - An area family finally has the home they've always wanted.
On Sunday, the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new home for the Webb family of Mayville. After 18 months of work by both the family and volunteers, the new home was finally ready for the Webbs to call it their own.
"We've spent over 4,400 man hours in building this home," said Mike Ricketts, Mid-County Habitat for Humanity chairman. "The dedication of a Habitat home marks the end of hours and hours of giving on the part of our volunteers to help a deserving family realize the dream of owning their own home. It is a time to celebrate and a time to say thank you for all the love and the talents that have gone into this home. ... We've watched this develop from a vacant lot to a nice, three-bedroom, developed home."
Article Photos
Above, Habitat for Humanity volunteers are pictured with the Webb family outside the newly-dedicated home.
P-J photos by Remington Whitcomb
Following a foreword by Ricketts, the Rev. James Bailey of Park United Methodist Church in Sinclairville gave an invocation.
"Unless the Lord builds a house, they who labor, labor in vain," Bailey said. "All the work that has gone into this house is a gift from the lord. We thank you that in your strength this has all happened. ... We thank you for Mike and his family, and for the opportunity that so many have had to bless them, and how they have blessed us in return. We ask that you will bless this house with peace and joy for all who enter."
Ricketts went on to recognize all those who contributed toward the completion of the house, with either labor or resources. Those who were recognized for their voluntarism are as followed: Bob Reynolds, Carl Witherow, Ted First, Russ Webb, Kent Marsh, Neal Johnson, Karen McCaan, Ray Downey, Mike Webb, Eugene Schivaier, Warren Whitford, Justin Watson, Bill L., Woody Howland, Joe Moynihan, Pam Howard, Dave Watson, Matt Long, Conrad Howard, Mike Ricketts, Brian Greenwald, Charles Fairbanks, Lisa Best, Cindy Shuff, Dave Jett, Ken Fahnestock, Marsha Butler, Dave Carpenter, Larry Kestner, Amie and Emily Sholder, Johanna Sholder, Sylvia Faust, Roland C., and Fairlee and Jim Fischer.
Additionally, several area businesses contributed in making the completion of the Webb home possible. Businesses that contributed include: Bricklayers Local No. Three, Chautauqua Construction, Davis Siding and Guttering, Doug Daily Plaster and Drywall, Eastern States Roofing, Freay Electric, Gugino Kitchen and Bath, Dave Jett Quality Mechanical, Chris Keefe Builders, G. L. Olson Construction, Leroy Parker Enterprises, Tri County Restoration, and Valu Home Centers.
When the time came for Karen McCann to present the Webb family with a Bible for their new home, she found herself becoming emotional, even though she had promised herself that she would not.
"I just want to thank (Mike Webb) for making me a part of the family," McCann said. "We can build a house, but it doesn't become a home until a family actually goes through those doors."
Subsequently, McCann's display of emotion caused Mike Webb to get a bit choked up as well.
"I just want to thank God, first of all," said Mike Webb. "I want to thank everyone from the Habitat organization - all of the volunteers - just all their hearts for all they do everyday to put their own lives behind to come and (build this house). Thank you to each and every one of you."
Following the ceremony, guests and volunteers were offered cake and coffee, and invited into the house to see it in its finished form.
The Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity builds and donates one or two homes a year to low-income families in need. For more information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatchaut.org.