On November 7, 1925, Alabama Power hosted a celebration to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone at the dam site. Nearly 3000 guests attended, ranging from locals to Governor William Brandon. Alabama Power president Thomas Martin gave a speech and in it, he outlined his personal philosophy was also that of Alabama Power, stating: “The continued progress of our state consists in lifting the burdens of drudgery from the shoulders of man to the tireless shoulders of the dynamo. Every loafing stream is loafing at the public expense and every kilowatt of power means less work for someone, more freedom and a richer chance for life.” About 7 months following this auspicious speech, a week after the gates were closed, the board of directors at Alabama Power resolved that the dam at Cherokee Bluffs be named and designated “Martin Dam” and that the great body of water to be formed thereby be named and designated “Lake Martin.”