Saint Eugene Medical Center in Dillon, South Carolina celebrated another milestone in the construction of the hospital’s new surgery addition with a "topping out" ceremony provided by the construction firm, Rodgers Builders of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The project building team, Saint Eugene employees and community guests watched as the construction crane hoisted a steel beam holding an American flag and a symbolic evergreen tree to the topmost point of the structure.
"While there is still a great deal of work to be done to complete the project, the evergreen tree represents the safe and successful attainment of the highest point," said B.D. Rodgers, Chairman of Rodgers Builders.
The ritual of "topping out" to celebrate the completion of a structure is one that goes back centuries. Though there is no definite proof of origin, legends from ancient China and pre-Christian Romans tell of similar celebrations.
A tradition that can be traced back to the Scandinavians, who revered evergreens, was to hoist an evergreen tree to the top of a newly completed structure. Immigrants who became the country’s first contractors brought this practice of "topping out" to America. "We are proud to be a part of this heritage," added Rodgers.
Bruce Barragan, President and CEO of McLeod Health, said, "The evergreen tree and flag balanced on the steel beam is also symbolic of the sensitive balance of providing health care to meet the needs of the community and the cost of delivering that care. We are fortunate to be able to fund a project like this. It will impact and improve the quality of health care provided for years to come. We are thankful to everyone involved."
Roger Wilkerson, an architect with Wilkerson Associates, said, "The planning of this project began four years ago. Much thought and effort went into this final solution. We also had to balance the needs of the health care facility with available resources. We are here to celebrate the culmination of that planning."
"Building an operating room facility takes talent and skill at all levels. This is a time to honor the tradesmen and craftsmen who are participating in this project," said Randy Crook, Project Manager with Rodgers Builders.
