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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1364 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1364

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 19, 2010.
Whereas on March 5, 1881, the General Assembly of North Carolina approved 
        legislation allowing the Board of Justices of Chatham County to replace 
        the existing architecturally unsound Chatham County courthouse with a 
        new facility and provided the county with construction bonds of up to 
        $12,000;
Whereas Thomas B. Womack designed the plans for the Chatham County Courthouse, 
        and J. Bynum and William Lord London of Pittsboro, North Carolina, were 
        awarded the construction contract;
Whereas on September 1, 1881, members of Columbus Lodge 102 laid the cornerstone 
        of the new courthouse in Pittsboro, and on July 4, 1882, the new 
        courthouse was completed;
Whereas the Chatham County Courthouse is a three-story brick structure with a 
        two-story classical portico topped by a distinguishing three-stage 
        cupola;
Whereas county courthouses are focal points of justice and the rule of law in 
        communities across the country, and the Chatham County Courthouse serves 
        as the central landmark of Pittsboro and Chatham County;
Whereas the historic Chatham County Courthouse was partially destroyed by a 
        tragic fire that broke out on March 25, 2010, at approximately 4:15 
        p.m.;
Whereas firefighters, led by Chatham Country Fire Marshal Thomas Bender, 
        courageously fought the blaze and protected surrounding buildings from 
        damage;
Whereas government officials of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the 
        Courts, Chatham County, and the town of Pittsboro have worked tirelessly 
        to ensure the continuity of judicial operations in Chatham County and to 
        develop a plan to restore the courthouse; and
Whereas the North Carolina court system, Chatham County, and the town of 
        Pittsboro experienced a significant and tragic loss as a result of the 
        March 25, 2010 fire: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses condolences to the North Carolina court system, 
        Chatham County, and the town of Pittsboro for the tragic loss of the 
        Chatham County Courthouse;
            (2) commends the heroic actions of the Chatham County firefighters 
        and first responders who worked tirelessly to combat the Courthouse 
        fire, minimize the damage to the Courthouse and the historic materials 
        contained therein, and protect the public;
            (3) recognizes the community significance of the Courthouse as a 
        cornerstone of justice and the rule of law in Chatham County; and
            (4) recognizes the impact that more than a century of landmark court 
        decisions has made on the judicial system of the Town of Pittsboro, 
        Chatham County, and North Carolina.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.
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