The Phoenix Fountain

This fountain is in front of the Doyle Convention Center. It is located off of Palmer and 21st Street. The fountain has several plaques and statues around it.

The Phoenix rising out of the water represents the City rising from the ashes of the Disaster.

PHOENIX FOUNTAIN
April 16,1997

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the explosion of the French ship, "Grandcamp," on this date in 1947. It remains the worst industrial disaster in American history. Just as the Phoenix bird symbolizes resurrection from the ashes of despair, the "Phoenix Fountain" epitomizes courage and the triumph of the human spirit. The rebirth of out city continues to inspire generation after generation to greatness.

Chewatah, Washington Artist David Govedare was commissioned by Mayor Charles T. Doyle, whose idea was to have Govedare design and produce this twelve foot sculpture from half inch cor-ten steel. Architect Joseph Allen Hoover and City Engineer James McWhorter designed the fountain built by Texas City's Public Works Department.

CITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS CITY
Charles T. Doyle, Mayor

Larry Edrozo, Mayor Pro Tem	Harold Fattig, Jr., At Large
Connie Jackson, District 1	Carl Sullivan, District 2
Lynn Ray Ellison, District 3	H. Frank Simpson, District 4

Artist's 50th Anniversary Message
April 16, 1997

Time marches on.....We must acknowledge and remember poignant moments....by they grand or immeasurably sad.

We all must find personal strength from things of consequence.

This is how lifes' journey is....We are together to learn compassion and feel love for one another.

It is through this rising Phoenix that I have created a link of remembrance and compassion.

In honoring the souls lost in the Texas City disaster....We show a will to embrace a past sadness as part of a noble journey today.

We must look to each other to build the family of mankind and to the heavens, too for eternal understanding.

I am honored to be part of your Texas City Family.

David Govedare

Artist commissioned to create the "Phoenix" by Mayor Charles T. Doyle in October 1996.

I AM TIME

by Beth Wallace Slaymaker
President, Galveston Writers Club

I am time
Some call me the healer of wounds
But I am not.
I am the fingers of Him
Who opens and no one can shut;
I am the hands of Him
Who shuts and no one can open.
I led you into this life
And I will show you out....

Yes, I am time,
The servant of Him
Whos love is named Limitless
And whose age is Eternity.
I do not heal,
But he has sent me to tell you
That as I pass by
All things become good.

Texas City Remembers
Author: Elizabeth Wheaton
Naylor Publishing Company
1948