COVINGTON, Ga. – The two Newton County commissioners elected in November took their oaths in separate ceremonies in different locations four hours apart Dec. 27.

In a 3 p.m. ceremony at the Nelson Heights Community Center Newton County Probate Judge Melanie Bell administered the oath of office to returning District 4 Commissioner J.C. Henderson.

Henderson, starting his sixth term as a commissioner, told family, supporters and local officials in attendance love is the key to making a difference in the community.

“If we love one another, then we’ll lift one another up - we won’t let them fall down,” he said. “If we love one another, we won’t pull them backward, we’ll move forward. We’ll join hands and say ‘Hallelujah, let’s make a difference in this community.’ And we will.”

In a 7 p.m. ceremony in the Commissioner’s Boardroom at the Newton County Historic Courthouse, Bell swore in new District 2 Commissioner Demond Mason.

The ceremony followed a 5 p.m. special called BOC meeting. Mason thanked his supporters and Lanier Sims, outgoing commissioner. He also thanked his family.

“They were right there with me - knocking on doors,” he said. “They were my campaign team.”

Of Sims, Mason said, "I sat down and had conversations with him. I asked questions and he, of course, answered what he could answer.

“He often would say, ’Man, Demond asks some tough questions.’ And I did because I really want to make sure that I’m an asset to this board and not a liability. I wanted to be sure that what I was stepping into I was preparing myself.”

Mason will take his seat alongside Henderson and the remaining commissioners when the BOC convenes for the first time in 2019 on Jan. 8.