Dedication of the Dr. William Hooper Councill Statue
By Barbara Johnson, 9th Episcopal district
The second phase of the William Hooper Councill Memorial Park was dedicated on a cold, blustery day in December. The statue of the amazing educator and visionary, Dr. William Hooper Councill, had arrived and been installed on what was previously the site of the William Hooper Councill High School. City officials, other dignitaries, and the sculptor were in attendance. The event was hosted by the William Hooper Councill Alumni Association members and chairperson, Mrs. Brenda Chunn. All gathered to unveil and commemorate the statue.
The Rev. Maurice Wright, II, the servant pastor of St. John AME Church in Huntsville, and its members were present to witness the unveiling of the church’s founder. Mariah Gullatte had been chosen to speak as a youth representative for the church. She spoke of her early experiences at St. John and having heard annually of Dr. Councill’s accomplishments. She also spoke of young people her age, being the beneficiaries of Dr. Councill’s legacy of educating one’s self, building strong moral character through faith, and Dr. Councill’s aspiration of striving for excellence.
The park solidified Dr. Councill’s impressive life in the Huntsville community. Councill High School was named for him in 1867. He went on to establish Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University in 1875 and founded St. John AME Church in 1885. Historical markers stand on each site bearing witness to each of these outstanding accomplishments. The event was closed with prayer by the Rev. Wright.
