All roads lead to Metcalf

Metcalf residents gathered in the village park recently to celebrate the dedication of a new monument proclaiming Metcalf as the “Center of the Universe.”

On Friday, June 12, a ceremony drew current residents, former residents and community supporters. They gathered around a large stone monument engraved with the words, “Center of the Universe” and  “All roads lead to Metcalf.”

The event began with opening remarks and a prayer of dedication led by Pastor Sean Pruitt.

“We would like to dedicate this rock, and this community, which is held dear by those that came before, those who are present and those in the future, and it’s in Jesus’ name that I pray,” he said.

Community members were thanked for their contributions to the project, including the Village Board, Adams Memorial in Charleston and Doc Moody, who donated the stone used for the monument.

The monument project began as a conversation about the importance of Metcalf to those who grew up in the village. According to organizers, the idea developed over the past year and a half and quickly received support from village officials and residents.

A key feature of the monument is the stone itself. Donated by Moody, the rock was discovered near Metcalf, making it a fitting symbol of the community it now represents.

“The board gave me a thumbs up, and the search began,” John Morris, featured speaker, said. “I started working with Hillary at Adams Memorial in Charleston, and got several ideas, and Sue Ann said, ‘Won’t you go see Doc Moody? He’s got rocks everywhere’ …

Doc said, ‘Yeah, I’ll take you around.’ Doc took me everywhere, and before the day ended, he goes, “There’s a special rock I’m gonna show you, and, and it was sitting out there by your grain bin, and he said, “And I found this rock right across from where Raybar Farms, just south of town, so that truly is a Metcalf rock,”

During the dedication, Morris reflected on Metcalf’s significance to generations of residents. Distinguishing objective facts and subjective opinions, he humorously noted that several other places around the world have claimed to be the center of the universe.

“When I would tell my students that the center of the universe is in Metcalf, I knew that there was always somebody, a kid from Philo or somebody near there, go, ‘No, it’s not. It’s in Philo, because it says it on the water tower,’” Morris said. “If I wasn’t afraid of heights, I would climb that water tower and mark out Philo and put Metcalf there!”

Morris argued on behalf of those who call Metcalf home, there is no doubt where the true center lies. He shared memories of longtime residents and families who helped shape the community, recalling neighbors, local businesses and friendships that defined village life over the decades.

“This is where many of us are. This is where many of us are from, and many of you that still are. For us here today, this truly is the center of the universe,” Morris said.

He emphasized that the monument is not merely a marker in the park but a tribute to the people and memories that make Metcalf special to its inhabitants.

As residents captured photographs around the newly dedicated stone, the message of the evening was clear: for many past and present residents, Metcalf remains the center of their universe.

Following the dedication ceremony, attendees stayed to visit with friends and neighbors and enjoy refreshments together.