Bob Massengill was officially declared the mayor of BrookhavenFriday morning when he took the oath of office from Judge Ed PattenJr. in Chancery Court.

Massengill’s wife, Carol, stood beside him while the oath wasadministered on the Massengill family Bible.

The new mayor made a few brief comments following the ceremonyand held the family Bible high.

“I was in Ukraine a few years ago and was talking to some highschool students there,” he said. “I held up a Bible and asked themhow many of them thought this was just a dusty old history book.Nearly all hands went up. I then asked them how many thought it wasalive and real and powerful, and only a handful of hands went up.Well, this book is alive and real and powerful, and it is what Ihave tried to base my life on.”

City government is complex, Massengill said, and citizens shouldknow that the mayor and aldermen are always working for the bestinterests of the city, even though some may not feel that way.

“Every decision we make may not be one you will be in completeagreement with, but it will be the right decision for Brookhaven,”he said.

Massengill, who will be finishing former Mayor Bill Godbold’sterm of office, said he regrets that he does not have a full termto lead the city forward.

“You can only do so much in 13 months,” he said. “But we have agood board, and we work well together in harmony. The citygovernment will be run with integrity.”

Massengill also asked those present to remember Godbold in theirprayers. Godbold retired for medical reasons.

Massengill’s spot as Ward 4 alderman will be declared vacantwhen the board meets Tuesday night, clearing the way for a specialelection.