St. Ann Dedicates New Sanctuary

By Brian Irving
Special to the NC Catholic June 22, 2003

St. Ann Church in Fayetteville dedicated it’s new, expanded sanctuary a structure that literally and symbolically connects the past, present and future, June 15. Bishop Joseph Gossman led a procession through a door in the "old" church, down an aisle, around the altar and into the new worship space.

"This is a day we have been preparing for probably 53 years," said Father Thomas Malloy, OSFS, St. Ann’s pastor. In his homily, Father Malloy recalled that what King David wanted to build a temple for God, he asked the prophet Nathan to ask God about it. God said no.

"But what actually happened," explained Father Malloy, "was that God said, ‘Nathan, you’re an old man, do you really want to be concerned with architects, contractors and the diocesan finance committee?’"

"Building a church is a monumental task," Father Malloy said. "Nathan new that and the founders of this parish new that. So they built a small, cozy structure and passed on to us the privilege of expanding the sanctuary into where we now stand."

St. Ann Parish was founded in 1939 by small group of Black families seeking a place where they could worship freely, since Catholic churches in the South were segregated. They celebrated their first Mass in a barber shop in 1939 and began raising money to build a church. The original church was dedicated Dec. 22, 1940.

The daughters of two of the original parish members, Alice Clarkson and Edwina Evans, presented the Sacred Chrism during the dedication liturgy. Deacon Kenneth Ryan assisted the bishop at the liturgy. He is the nephew of St. Ann’s first pastor, Father William P. Ryan.

"St. Ann Church is very much a part of the Ryan family," Deacon Ryan said. "When my Aunt Helena (Father Ryan’s sister) heard about the dedication she wagged her finger at me and said, ‘You’d better get down there.’"

Deacon Ryan, who serves at a parish in South Boston, has visited St. Ann before, as have many of his family members. "I believe in the Communion of Saints, so I know Father Ryan is here today," Deacon Ryan said.

"We’ve remained influenced by our forbearers whose spiritually was shaped in great measure by building a parish from the ground up, by charity and by a deep sense commitment to the needy," noted Les Griffin, who headed the fundraising effort for the building project. "We’re unabashedly proud of our diversity and we celebrate our differences."

Griffin added that the parish was determined to preserve as much of the old church as possible and remain in downtown Fayetteville.

"We decided to keep our feet firmly planted on this sacred ground which our ancestors left us unencumbered," he explained.

"I congratulate all of you for the achievement this church represents," Bishop Gossman told the 600 people at the Dedication Mass. "Building a church is a cooperate enterprise and an adventure."

"Church buildings are important to us but not nearly as important as the community of faith which is the church, the Body of Christ," the bishop said. He challenged the parish to prove wrong those who say that spending on a building was a waste of money.

"It is clearly up to you to make those people realize that they are wrong," he exhorted. "It is your task to show how the community around you is a better community because you are here. Every time you see this building it should remind you of your faith, of God’s love and how you strive to live it so other people benefit."

Church buildings serve as a place or worship, to allow people to have their faith strengthened and enlivened. "But you’re being strengthened not simply to enjoy it here, but to take it out there."

The bishop noted that the prayer St. Ann used for the building effort made that mission clear: "Be glorified, O God and fill our hearts with true generosity and deeper prayerfulness and we build a new house for all your people."

In closing remarks, Griffin recalled that Bishop Gossman had told Father Malloy he would have what he needed to build the church. "Thank you for your faith in us, bishop" Griffin said. "Our pledge to you is that you will have what you need, which is repayment of our loan."