Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/698823
founders in Birmingham. In May, the couple was instrumental in bringing the project to Montgomery. The Clelands attended the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast May 5, then joined others in singing "Amazing Grace" while walking to the capitol. From May 5-8, 400 people took turns reading aloud the entire Bible. There was a constant stream of young and old, from all walks of life signing in at the green tent Cleland helped set up on Dexter Avenue, to take their turn reading the Scriptures. Cleland was one of the readers. "We believe that, when the word of God is read, it doesn't return void," he said. "Those words are with power, and that power can't be squashed. In today's world, we need the positive message. We like to see the body of Christ, whatever denomination, to be involved." Folks come from all over to help read, and Cleland has met many of them. The granddaughter of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange read, as well as the son of a Montgomery County commissioner. During the 2015 Bible Reading Marathon, Cleland met some of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions' staff. "In Montgomery, you never can tell who will come up to read, or to just pass by and say hello," Cleland said. "I enjoy meeting the different people who come to read. It's real interesting to know, sometimes, that you don't have anything in your hand, but you can just be a friend or confidant when it's needed." Cleland looks forward to tending his vegetable and perennial gardens at home in Pinson, and perhaps one day building on his 18 acres in Blount County. "I've got a little tractor, and Julia and I really enjoy planting the garden and taking care of the flowers and plants," Cleland said. "My dad was a graduate of the school of agriculture at Auburn University, and I've always said I kind of got a love for plants from my dad." Retirement may change Cleland's surroundings, but it won't alter his loyalty to the company. "Throughout my career, I've never felt like I had to back up to people when I tell them I work for Alabama Power," Cleland said. "I'm always amazed that we hire as we do, because Alabama Power hires the cream of the crop in the state of Alabama. It's a great place to work." 4 Cleland laughs during 50-year service celebration; with wife, Julia, at home in Pinson. Cleland reads Bible outside Alabama Capitol.