Hanging on my office wall is a wood-framed “Certificate of Appreciation” from the American Muslim Alliance to The Daily Democrat presented in August 2003.

It was presented to the newspaper after The Democrat made a conscious effort to assist Woodland-area Muslims following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It was my decision to focus on the good being done by local Muslims at a time when there was nationwide hatred directed toward anyone from a country where the primary practicing religion was Islam.

It was my feeling then and my feeling today it is a serious mistake to paint with too broad a brush the actions of a few people on an entire country, race or religion.

Over the years, I covered Islamic celebrations, religious services and people at the Woodland Muslim Mosque.

The only time I ever really got angry with the Mosque leadership was in May 2019 when a groundbreaking was held at the site of the new Mosque & Islamic Center on East Street and Oak Avenue. No one told me about the event, and I was furious because I had spent so much time over the years trying to let people know about the local community of Muslims.

The reason had to do with security. Those of Islamic faith were afraid they would face threats or protests during the ceremony. From an outside perspective, I got it, but I was still disappointed.

Nothing lasts forever, and this past week I had the privilege of attending the grand opening ceremony of the new Mosque and Islamic Center, taking place Feb. 28, the first day of Ramadan, which started at sundown.

During the ceremony, I met with my friend Kahlid Saeed, who invariable wants me to pose for a photograph with him and other members of the Mosque and the Muslim community.

I reluctantly posed for photos and then took a few of my own. That is when I saw the sun reflected off the crescent moon atop the minaret. It was a shining star of intense light and emphasized the beauty of the 16,206-square-foot building.

Those who have not visited the Mosque and Islamic Center should take the time to do so. Seeing the exterior is one thing. The interior is even better. So go inside if you can.

The entire Mosque is resplendent in its color and the immense care taken to make the building “God’s House” is to be commended. One person I met said the building was easily the most beautiful in Woodland. I think she was right.

Members of the Mosque’s leadership said the building signified a “community united in purpose” and that this house of worship would become a “center of learning, faith and peace for generations to come.”

Another speaker said it was also “more than just a place of worship. It is a center of learning, a hub of community service and a beacon of peace and harmony. It will serve as a space where neighbors can come together, where friendships can be built.”

All this is true and it is worth noting there is a second church being built in Woodland at the corner of West Cross and California streets that I believe will also be gorgeous when completed.

Of course, I am speaking of the new Holy Rosary Catholic Church, which held its groundbreaking in mid-May 2024 and should be completed either later this year or in early 2026.

I suspect when the new Catholic Church holds its grand opening, members of the Muslim Mosque will join in that celebration, showing their respect for believers of another religion in a community populated by people of many different beliefs.

Jim Smith is the former editor of The Daily Democrat, retiring in 2021 after a 27-year career at the paper.