By By MIKE VOSS Contributing Editor
A standing-room-only crowd in the Superior Courtroom at the Beaufort County Courthouse witnessed Wayland J. Sermons Jr. take the oath to become the resident Superior Court judge for the state’s Second Judicial District.
“What a wonderful afternoon for me. It really warms my heart,” Sermons said just moments after Superior Court Judge Clifton W. Everette Jr. administered the oath of office during a special session of Beaufort County Superior Court on Thursday. “My legal career started in this very courtroom.”
Sermons recalled being assigned, in that courtroom, as defense counsel for a defendant in what would be his first case, with that assignment coming three days after he was admitted to the bar nearly 30 years ago.
“I’m excited about a new role in the judicial system,” said Sermons, noting his appointment to the bench came about, in part, because of “great lawyers willing to guide me” during the early years of his legal career.
“I am overwhelmed by the turnout,” Sermons said after the ceremony as family members, other judges and well-wishers congratulated him.
Everette took a few moments before administering the oath to Sermons to talk about the new judge’s journey to the bench and his being asked to administer the oath.
“It’s special to me because this is something judges don’t get to do very often — swear in a colleague,” Everette said.
“Wayland is seasoned by age, temperament and experience,” Everette said later. “His experience has equipped him well to be a judge.”
Sermons said he will hold his first session of court in Hyde County next Friday.
“I’m holding admin,” Sermons said, referring to an administrative session of Superior Court.
Gov. Beverly Perdue appointed Sermons to the judgeship on Aug. 12. He will serve out former Superior Court Judge William C. Griffin Jr.’s unexpired term. Griffin retired earlier this year as resident Superior Court judge in the 2nd Judicial District.
In interviews in July, Sermons and Seth Edwards, district attorney for the 2nd Prosecutorial District, each said they planned to seek Griffin’s seat if he retired by the next election. The seat is up for election in 2010.
If three or more candidates file to run for that seat next year, a primary will be held next May, with the top two vote-getters moving to the general election in November. If there are two or just one candidate, no primary will be held. Superior Court judges serve eight-year terms.
Sermons plans to keep the office of the resident Superior Court judge for the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Washington and Tyrrell counties, at its current location in Williamston until he can make arrangements to move it to Beaufort County.
Sermons said he’s been busy closing out his law practice. The new judge also said it’s his goal to be fair and impartial to everyone who comes before him in the courtroom.
After the ceremony, a reception was held at The Meeting Place in downtown Washington.