Supporting Pike

The "Topping-off" Ceremony

A topping-off ceremony, in which the final beam was set in place on the new construction, was held on the morning of Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The entire school, including students, faculty, staff, members of the Pike's Promise Campaign Committee, and a number of Trustees, as well as parents, watched as the beam, bearing the signatures of all the students and many other members of the community, was hoisted by crane and bolted into place at the top of the northwest corner of the building.

Head of School John "Muddy" Waters enlightened the onlookers about the history and significance of a topping-off ceremony with the following explanation provided by Erland Construction, the company erecting the structure.

"History suggests that the ceremony in construction known as "topping off" originated around 700 A.D. when Scandinavians topped off construction of new halls with sheaves of grain. It is believed this tradition was brought to America by immigrant Norwegian ironworkers during the late 1800s. The ritual has evolved through the years and now celebrates the installation of the final piece of structural steel on a project. A small pine tree, a tribute to the grain originally used, typically adorns the final beam and has the dual significance of honoring the safe completion of the outer frame and representing good fortune to future inhabitants of the building.

"Over time, American construction workers have added new traditions to the ancient ceremony. Now, in addition to the small pine tree, an American flag is proudly placed on the beam, as well. The "topping off" honors the workers on the job for their diligence and dedication in reaching the important project milestone of completing the outer frame of the building. Usually, that honor is personalized by having all workers sign the beam before it is raised and secured in place."

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