GREENE – “Yes they will know us!” These are some of the hymn lyrics sung in celebration on Saturday for the new homeowners at 7 Mill St. Chenango County Habitat for Humanity (CCHH) officers and representatives, volunteers, friends and special guests gathered for this dedication.

The event was hosted by CCHH Past President, Bob Davis. In the Habitat for Humanity tradition, there was a Bible and house keys presentation to the new homeowners, volunteers were honored; a house blessing was given by Pastor William Zaremba; and there was a house tour and refreshments.

This house, at 7 Mill Street, is the fourth CCHH completed house. It was constructed for and with Larry and Christine Dunlap, the partnering family, and volunteer hours of help from over 94 people. This house, the fastest CCHH house ever to be built, represented ten months of work, which included 350 hours of “sweat equity” invested by the Dunlaps themselves.

The house tour revealed some surprises. Because of the children’s special needs, some unique house design considerations were added. A therapy room was included with a swing and a colorful exercise mat. A permanently sunny sky, with beautiful puffy clouds were painted on the walls by Mary Lake. A lush green wooded mural was painted by Michele Wells on the walls of a bedroom creating a fantasy retreat.

Many of the area clergymen came to speak about the wonderful spirit of giving and offer thanks. The ceremony began with an Opening Prayer by Father Ralph Osborne from the Zion Episcopal Church. Then Elder Gary Estabrook of the Berean Bible Church read scripture. This was followed by the group singing of the well-known hymn, “They Will Know That We Are Christian by Our Love.” The Clown Ministry United Methodist Church, represented by Elaine Gates and Hannah Ayers performed as mimes to music.