Olney Hamilton Hospital

Topping Out Ceremony held at clinic site

May 31, 2013

Close to 90 citizens attended the Topping Out Ceremony held Friday, Aug. 17, at the site of the new Olney Family Clinic and Rehab/Wellness Center.

The ceremony was held to signify the completion of the main framework of the project, and a crew member with Robins & Morton had the honor of placing the American flag and an evergreen tree atop the peak of the structure.

The ceremony has been historically held to signify the completion of the structure of a building project. The placement of an evergreen tree atop the structure began as a Scandinavian tradition in 700 AD as a way to bring luck and signify the completion of a new building’s main framework.

The tree will remain in place until the building is finished, and then will be planted on the grounds.

During the event, a history of the Topping Out Ceremony was given by Michael Corwin, senior project manager with Robins & Morton.

Other speakers included Dale Lovett, Hamilton Hospital Board chairman; Mike Huff, administrator; Carla Perry, Hamilton Hospital Foundation member; and Dr. Mark Mankins, chief of staff. Kelly Russell, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Olney, blessed the building.

Guests were invited to sign a structural beam that will remain with the building and enjoyed refreshments and tours of the new clinic, which is also still under construction.