Constitution Day Program to Mark 239th Anniversary in Crockett
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY — A local Constitution Day program will mark the 239th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 701 E. Goliad St.
The program will begin at 2 p.m. and is being hosted by the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and First United Methodist Church.
Patricia Hicks, regent of the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter, said the event is intended to reconnect the community with a tradition that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We used to do something at the courthouse every year on Constitution Day,” Hicks said. “Judge Lovell would read the beginning of the Constitution, and then we would go around and everybody would read the Constitution.”
Hicks said the event drew a good crowd in previous years, but the tradition was difficult to restore after the pandemic.
This year’s program will include a presentation by Rev. Cindy Doran on the history of the patriotic stained-glass windows at the church and the historic significance of the church bell.
Houston County Judge Jim Lovell and Houston County Court at Law Judge Sarah Clark are also scheduled to speak.
Students from Piney Woods Christian Academy will make a special contribution to the program with a skit presented in costume. Hicks said the students have been learning about the nation’s founding documents as they prepare for the presentation.
“They know so much about the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation and all that,” Hicks said.
The program will trace the nation’s history from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution. The Crockett Bell Choir will also participate, and the church bells will be rung at 3 p.m.
Hicks said the bell ringing recalls the way people were informed that the Constitution had been signed in 1787.
The Constitution remains important, Hicks said, because it protects the rights of American citizens as well as the states.
“Because it gives us our rights as American citizens,” Hicks said. “The Declaration of Independence gave us freedom, but the Articles of Confederation did not protect the people or the states. They had to go back and write the Constitution so that both the American people and the states would be protected.”
Hicks said the Articles of Confederation represented an effort to govern the new nation, but leaders eventually recognized that a stronger framework was needed.
“I think when they did the Articles of Confederation, they were doing the best they could at the time,” she said. “But they had to see that it wasn’t going to work.”
The public is invited to attend the program. Refreshments and treat bags will be available afterward. Those planning to attend are asked to text Hicks at 936-222-7544 to let her know who will be coming, so organizers can prepare for the crowd.
In addition to the Constitution Day program, the chapter has begun a new campaign to recognize residents who display the American flag.
Members are visiting homes where flags are displayed, asking permission to take photographs and place a sign in the yard for one week. They also plan to ask residents what motivates them to display the flag.
“One of our members said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we recognize these people who put flags in their yards?’” Hicks said.
Hicks said the campaign is intended to encourage patriotism throughout the year rather than only around major holidays.
“The main thing is to keep people going with the patriotism,” she said. “It’s not just a Fourth of July thing. It’s not just a Memorial Day thing.”
She also pointed to the patriotism shown across the country after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“Look at 9/11. Look at the patriotism we showed after 9/11,” Hicks said. “And here we are at the 25th anniversary. I think sometimes we forget about 9/11 and the fact that our nation was attacked.”
Hicks said residents who are approached as part of the flag campaign should understand that the goal is simply to recognize their patriotism and encourage others to display the flag.
“If you’re flying the flag, somebody may knock on your door and say, ‘Hey, can we put a sign in your yard and take a picture?’” she said.
The organizers hope the Constitution Day program and the flag campaign will give local residents opportunities to reflect on the nation’s founding documents and the meaning of civic pride.
“We hope everybody gets on the bandwagon with us,” Hicks said.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
