Without the support and encouragement of family, friends and community, there would be no ribbon cutting for a “renewed” business in Pike County on Thursday.

Adams Glass Studio was totally destroyed by fire on Nov. 30, 2011.

The immediate and emotional thought of Charles Adams, glass artist and owner of the studio, was to rebuild. Then, he thought better of it.

“When you get to my age, just the thought of undertaking such a venture will wear you down,” Adams said, with a smile. “But my dad, Sam Adams, started Adams Nut Shop in 1953 and we’ve continued the business as a nut shop of sorts and the glass studio. It’s all that my family has ever known. It’s been our life. My wife, Mary, and children were right in knowing that we had to build back.”

Family is one thing. You depend on family to stand with you or behind you, Adams said.

“But we were overwhelmed by the support and encouragement of friends, neighbors and even those we didn’t know,” he said. “The people of Pike County were right here for us and they’ll never know how much we appreciate their support and their generosity.”

Adams said there is no way that he could ever begin to name all of those who provided emotional support during the time that Adams Glass Studio was smoldering and encouragement and physical assistance during the weeks of the cleanup and the many months of rebuilding.

“So many people came forward and helped in so many ways,” he said. “So, when we officially cut the ribbon to open Adams Nut Shop and Adams Glass Studio Thursday, it will be due to the efforts of many people throughout the county and far beyond.”

The Adam family invites all of those who have been a part of the rebuilding of the Adams’ family business, in body or in spirit, to join them for the ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Thursday.

“The ribbon cutting is not going to be a big event but it is a big thing for us. We hope all of those who have been with us along the way will come and share this time with us,” Adams said.

Adams and his son, David, have created a commemorative angel, the Phoenix Angel. “When people come together, it is possible to rise out of the ashes,” he said.