A newly renovated park in Harlem has been named in honor of and in memory of Glenn Stephens Phillips, grandfather of Glenn Phillips of Washington-Wilkes and of Linda Culpepper of Harlem.

Glenn Phillips and his wife Sherry of Washington-Wilkes; Bobby and Linda Culpepper of Harlem; Stacy Culpepper, Brian and Melissa Culpepper, Gracie and Baden, were among family members who attended the dedication August 21. Mr. Culpepper, who is mayor of Harlem, presided at the dedication program.

A new arching sign bearing Phillips’ name was unveiled at the park’s entrance. City officials have worked for several months to improve the park with new lighting that ties into the city’s downtown area, a renovated gazebo, and new landscaping.

Phillips was born in 1901 and in 1925 became Harlem’s youngest mayor. Through the years he held many important positions in the county and statewide. He served as Ordinary of Columbia county; chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Harlem School District, Georgia Revenue Commissioner, State Senator for Columbia County, Representative in the State Legislature for 28 years, was a member of the Harlem Baptist Church and the Elks Club; was a Mason, Shriner, and Rotarian. He was also a member of the University of Georgia Gridiron Society.

Speakers at the dedication service included Senator Bill Jackson, Commissioner Scott Dean, and Mayor Culpepper.