D. Erickson
The Civitan Club held a meeting July 15, 2023 at Duke’s Barbeque in Walterboro.
After the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and recitation of the Civitan Creed Mr. Donald Davis gave an overview of the recent visit of Mission Serve to Walterboro. Mission Serve (f/k/a WorldChangers) is a faith-based charitable organization that goes to areas in need to help with projects that people may not otherwise receive. The Civitans sponsored the building of a handicap ramp at the home of a foster family that cares for physically challenged children. The Civitans donated $2,500.00 for the construction of the ramp.
Eric Lindstrom of the Golden Daffodil was then introduced as the newest member of The Civitan Club.
The guest speaker for the meeting was Mrs. Rebecca “Becky” Hill. Mrs. Hill is the Clerk of Court for Colleton County and was Clerk during the infamous Murdaugh trial. Mrs. Hill praised Walterboro for living up to the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry” ideal during the proceedings. She provided interesting facts about the trial including the fact there were over 100 news outlets present during the course of the trial and were over 900 Summons for Jury Duty issued. She also recounted a story about a juror who was torn between civic duty and personal obligation and their struggle. She shared that the Murdaugh family was systematically moved back row after row of seats in the Courtroom due to their inability to follow the rules of the presiding judge, Judge Newman. There were also bets on how long it would take for the jury to come back. Surprisingly, the prayerful jury came back with a guilty verdict in just three hours. Mrs. Hill then quoted Benjamin Franklin on justice in relation to the trial. Mr. Franklin declared, “justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are”. Mrs. Hill challenged those present to be mindful of their attitude, aptitude, and atmosphere and to continuously adapt and change to be better.
