LUMBERTON — Integrity, honor, leader, awesome — these were among the words used to describe Lumberton’s outgoing mayor and council members during a dinner in their honor on Thursday night.

The evening not only reflected on history but made history as a key to the city, two service awards and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine were handed out.

Held in a packed Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Events Center, the event recognized Mayor Raymond Pennington, who has served the city 28 years; Precinct 4 Councilman Harry Ivey, who served 46 years; Precinct 6 Councilman Robert Jones, who has served 24 years; and Precinct 1 Councilman Don Metzger, who served eight years. Friends, family and colleagues took turns “toasting” and “roasting” the outgoing officials — although most speeches dealt in praise — while enjoying a buffet by Candy Sue’s.

Pennington was presented with a key to the city as well as a blanket emblazoned with a portrait of the 2006 City Council. Council members at the end of the evening unfurled a banner revealing that Northeast Park would be the named Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex.

During his 24 years as mayor, Pennington read 368 proclamations, presided over more than 1,000 meetings and recognized 164 retirees, City Manager Wayne Horne said. Additionally, Pennington served four years on the City Council.

“For 28 years, Ray Pennington has used the power he has had in this city to do good for others,” said David Branch, a friend of Pennington’s for 34 years.

Speakers mentioned Pennington’s dedication, wit and calm demeanor. His daughter-in-law, Sally, read a poem; Dick Taylor relayed an embarrassing tale of scuba diving; Drew Bullard summarized a lifetime of Pennington continually reaching his potential and seeing potential in others; and Coble Wilson — between off-color jokes — created an acrostic of the mayor’s last name, beginning with “P is for perfection.”

“I can truly say Lumberton is a better place because of your tenure as mayor,” said David Weinstein, who served as mayor before Pennington and went on to be a state senator.

Sharon Hunt, the mayor’s “right-hand woman,” said the two talk nearly every day and she hopes the tradition will continue when he exits office.

“It has been such, such a pleasure to work with Mayor Pennington,” Hunt said. “I feel like part of his family.”

Ivey received a standing ovation after being presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor, by Sen. Jane Smith.

Chip Bass, Ivey’s pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church, recalled Ivey’s habit of paying bills for residents in need — with no expectation of ever receiving credit. During his years on the council, Ivey was successful in getting roads in his precinct paved and getting a fire station, park and police substation built there.

“We forget how important these elected officials are,” Bass said. ” … In each precinct there are people who depend on them.”

Jones was presented with a Distinguished Service Award by Pennington.

“This is special because you’re special,” Pennington said.

Communities in Schools Executive Director Dencie Lambdin and Apostle Thomas Meares recalled Jones’ wide smile and catchphrases — “hey partner,” “hello precious,” and “have you counted your blessing today?”

“When he speaks, he always looks for the best in each of us,” Lambdin said.

Lambdin said although Jones, a longtime educator, is leaving the council, his presence will still be felt in Lumberton.

“Dr. Jones has many admirers because he respects everyone equally,” she said.

Local businessman Kenny Biggs, Mickey Gregory, director of the Lumberton Visitor’s Bureau, and Robin Cummings, chancellor at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, all toasted Metzger, who was presented with a service award.

Gregory commended Metzger for his community involvement, calling him a “peacemaker.”

“He is engaged and approachable and welcomes conversation about things that matter. Don is accessible and he listens, he really listens, without judgment,” she said.

Biggs called Metzger a true leader.

“Not everyone has the guts to be a leader and take personal risk,” he said.

Rep. Garland Pierce said all four men honored on Thursday were “men of integrity.”

“I just thought it was so important to come and celebrate these years of service to the city of Lumberton,” Pierce said. “I’ve watched it grow and they’ve been a part of it. … It says a lot about these guys and they’ve been able to make a difference. This is what public service is all about. They didn’t make a lot of money but they made a lot of progress for the city of Lumberton.”

Attendees were also treated to performances by singers Eric Chavis and Mahlea Hunt and cellist Marcus Hunt.