Faison Improvement Group President Andrew Taylor, left, and Faison Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall demonstrate removing one of the plain bricks surrounding the William Thornton monument and replacing it with a new, engraved brick. Personalized bricks are available for a $100 or $125 tax-deductible donation. For more information, go to FIG’s Facebook page or contact Jimmy Tyndall at [email protected]. (Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
FAISON — Last November, on the site of the former Faison School, the town dedicated a stately, black granite monument to the school and to one of its most distinguished graduates, Dr. William E. Thornton, who was born and raised in Faison, before going on to become the state’s first astronaut; he is also buried in the town’s historic cemetery. Now, members of the public are being invited to add personal tributes by purchasing custom-inscribed bricks to be placed in the courtyard where monument sits.
The Faison Improvement Group (FIG), in cooperation with the Town of Faison, is leading the effort to replace the courtyard’s plain bricks with specially engraved bricks. FIG is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that supports charitable causes, community events, and is dedicated primarily to improving the quality of life in and around Faison.
“The William Thornton Memorial Bricks offer our broader community an opportunity to raise money for charitable causes in the Faison area, and to serve as a symbolic tribute surrounding the monument of a local hero and state pioneer,” according to FIG President Andrew Taylor.
“All proceeds from the sale of these bricks will be distributed evenly between the FIG Recreation Fund, which supports children’s recreation programs and resources in the town of Faison, and the general fund of the Faison Improvement Group,” Taylor explains.
Each brick measures 4 inches by 8 inches by 2 ¼ inches, with two different design styles available. A $100 brick will have three lines of personalized text, with up to 20 characters per line. A $125 brick will have three lines of personalized text, with up to 12 characters per line, and artwork (there are many different images to choose from, relating to sports, religion, hobbies, nature, animals, etc.). All donations are tax-deductible.
An initial order, for eight bricks, has already been placed, and, according to Faison Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall, “We have another order brewing right now.” The town’s Public Works Department plans to purchase a brick in memory of Brent Turner, who worked with the Department for about seven months, before passing away unexpectedly.
Since some people are choosing to purchase bricks to remember or honor others, the question has arisen: Do the bricks automatically come with wording such as “in honor of” or “in memory of”? The answer is: No; the bricks are engraved with the exact wording that you supply on the form. Another question that has come up is whether the top line on the brick can be left blank, and, again, the answer is no.
Tyndall points out that when an order form is filled out, he looks it over before sending it to the engraving company. “We will double-check, to see if there’s an issue, to make sure everything looks good,” he says.
Memorial bricks are not limited to representing people. You can also purchase a brick in honor of your favorite pet or even a place or thing that has special meaning to you (keeping in mind that the Town will review order forms to make certain no offensive or inappropriate text is used).
Nor does one have to have ties to Faison to order a brick, although FIG’s Taylor expects that most people interested in ordering bricks will have some affiliation with the town.
“Dr. Thornton’s story began in Faison, and he has cited the people and education he received while growing up as heavily influencing his life’s trajectory,” says Taylor. “Knowing how the citizens of Faison influenced Dr. Thornton, it seems fitting and appropriate that people with ties to the Faison area now have the opportunity to not only beautify the courtyard surrounding Dr. Thornton’s monument, but also to support youth recreation and community improvement efforts.”
On behalf of FIG, Taylor thanks both the community and the Town of Faison “for allowing us to initiate this charitable endeavor.”
A link to the order form for bricks can be found on FIG’s Facebook page. There is no deadline for placing an order.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Jimmy Tyndall at [email protected].
