The inauguration of the City of Laurel’s newly elected officials is expected to take place Friday morning at the Arabian Theater.

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack and the recently-elected seven members of the Laurel City Council are all scheduled to take their oaths of office at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mack, who four years ago became the first African American mayor in the City of Laurel, is completing his first term as mayor.

Circuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum is scheduled to administer the oath of office to Mack, who won his second term in office as the city’s top elected official on June 2.

In that Tuesday election, Mack received 1,286 of the 1,511 votes cast in the election.

Also Friday, Judge Frank McKenzie will administer the oath of office to the city’s seven council persons — including six incumbents.

Ward One Councilperson Willie L. Evans; Ward Two Councilman Tony Wheat; Ward Three Councilman Tony Thaxton; Ward Four Councilman George Carmichael; Ward Five Councilman Manuel Jones; Ward Six Councilman Johnny Magee and newcomer Trey Chinn will become the council representative for Ward Seven.

“We want everyone to come out and witness this special event,” Mack said. “The past four years were good and we expect the next four years to be even better.”

Wanda Benson with the city’s Public Relations Office said efforts have been made to include all segments of the community in the special event.

“We want to make sure that this is a memorable experience that kicks off the next four years for the city,” Benson said. “We want everyone to feel inclusive and a part of this citywide activity.”

Other participants on the special program include Mitch Stennett with the EDA of Jones County, Donna Williams with the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, the 41st Army Band, Albert Ray, Alvin Cooke, Jennifer Hathorn, Rev. Bobby Ray Bolton of Sweet Hope Baptist Church, Christ’s Church, Boy Scout Troop #29 of Second Allen A.M.E. Church, Rev. Vernon Graves of Calvary Baptist Church and Father Jeff Reich of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Also during the event, there will be a video presentation being produced by Randy Meador and Cindy Sanderson.

The theater, which is across the street from Laurel City Hall and the Jones County Courthouse, is located on Fifth Street.

Following Friday’s Oath of Office Ceremony, the public is also invited to attend a reception at the YWCO on Oak Street.

Two lawsuits — one from a Ward Seven council candidate and one from a mayoral candidate — have been filed in Jones County Circuit Court contesting the results of the June 2 election. No hearing date on those cases have been set.