Descendants of Springfield's mayor 100 years ago attend anniversary celebration.
SPRINGFIELD — Music and history were the highlight of the 100th Anniversary of the Springfield Municipal Group Sunday.
The 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard ended a weekend-long celebration of the anniversary of City Hall, Symphony Hall and the Campanile.
The event coincided with the annual holiday concert sponsored by Sisters of Providence Health System and organized by the Spirit of Springfield.
Daniel P. Moen, president and chief executive officer of Sisters of Providence, said the event is in keeping with the system's mission of being a transforming and healing presence in Western Massachusetts.
12.8.13 | SPRINGFIELD -- Jonathan Fantini Porter, the great-grandson of John Avery Denison with his mother Mary Evelyn Denison Porter address the media in the Mahogany Room of Springfield's Symphoony Hall prior to the performance of the 215th Army Band from the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The band was performing a free holiday concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Symphony Hall, City Hall and the Campanile. John Avery Denison was the mayor of Springfield when the Municipal Group buildings opened in 1913. (Staff photo by DAVID MOLNAR) Present for the performance at Symphony Hall were Jonathan Fantini Porter and his mother, Mary Evelyn Denison Porter. Both are descendents of Springfield's mayor from a century ago, John Avery Denison.
"This is the actual day that these buildings were dedicated by my grandfather and as I've been getting ready and preparing to come here I've been channeling my grandfather and grandmother. It's a feeling of continuity," Denison Porter said. "Seeing the city as it is now, I think he would be very proud to be here in the city."
Fantini Porter said he is impressed by the 100-year-old buildings.
"This represents more than just our family. It's two generations. My great-grandfather dedicated these buildings in 1913, and here we are are 100 years later for the same purpose. It's progress; it's the future," he said.
The weekend also included a tree lighting ceremony at Court Square on Friday and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert on Saturday.