With a pledge to maintain open lines of communication with the citizens of Ferriday, Mayor Gene Allen was sworn in at Mount Beulah Baptist Church Thursday.

The swearing-in itself was scheduled to take place outside at town hall but was relocated to the church because of rain.

&uot;We didn’t want to take a chance with the rain,&uot; Allen said.

The day’s events began Thursday morning with ecumenical services at the church. At 11:30 a.m., the ceremony began with standing room only. Former Ferriday Mayor Odeal Montgomery served as the emcee of the event.

&uot;It is indeed an honor to be here today,&uot; Montgomery said.

Montgomery read a biography of Allen and also an address to the citizens of Ferriday written by Allen.

State Rep. Bryant Hammett served as a guest speaker during the ceremony, welcoming Allen and his administration. Hammett also indicated that although he didn’t support Allen during the race, Hammett was willing to work with him to move Ferriday forward.

&uot;I hope the people will come together and work together with Allen and the board of aldermen to move Ferriday forward,&uot; Hammett said. &uot;If Gene succeeds, Ferriday will succeed then the parish will succeed.&uot;

Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields also spoke at the ceremony, pledging his support and urging the citizens of Ferriday to become involved with their city government. &uot;You can’t be concerned with what happened in the past,&uot; Fields said. &uot;You have to look forward.&uot;

The Rev. Justin Conner delivered the formal introduction of then Mayor-Elect Allen and his wife. Allen then received his oath of office from Judge Kathy Johnson.

In his inaugural address, Allen thanked friends, family and distinguished guests asked for support from all citizens during his term.

&uot;I humbly accept the position of town mayor,&uot; Allen said. &uot;I will perform duties to the best of my ability.&uot;

The ceremony also included songs by Brenda Allen Bowman and Effie Phillips and concluded with a benediction given by Dr. Eugene Williams.

After the ceremony concluded, Allen and his staff held a special meeting at the town hall to recommend his staff to the town council.

At 4 p.m., Allen along with other community leaders held a mini-swearing in ceremony at the Florida Street Gym to talk with the youth of Ferriday.

During his talk with the youth, Allen pledged to improve recreation in Ferriday and spoke of the importance of their education and involvement with the community.

&uot;Don’t forget about the future of Ferriday,&uot; Allen said. &uot;The future is our children, you are our future.&uot;

Allen also spoke of an open-door policy for suggestions or ideas to improve recreation in Ferriday

The Rev. Alex Promise; Mike Rabb, representing the sponsoring banks of the day; and Conner also spoke during the event, each offering their support to the mayor and stressing improved recreational opportunities with the community’s help.

The day’s events concluded with a gala at the Borderline Reception Center, with Delta Bank, Concordia Bank & Trust, Imogene’s Restaurant and Tensas State Bank sponsoring the event.