A crowd estimated at over 200 walked dirt roads and over tall grass last Sunday afternoon to witness the blessing of the ground and the turning of the first spade of earth which marked the beginning of construction of the new St. Joseph’s Home here in Atlanta.

The site, located in Southwest Atlanta, is near Butner and Tell Roads. Located in a fast developing area, the home will be a departure from the traditional concept for foster homes, for its construction will be in cottage style with a chapel and ‘town hall.’

Director of Catholic Charities, Rev. Walter J. Donovan, acted as master of ceremonies for the event which heard, in addition to speeches, musical renditions by the boys from St. Joseph’s Home in Washington, Ga., and the girls from St. Mary’s Home in Savannah.

Rev. Walter Matteato, pastor of the church in Washington, Ga., and spiritual counselor for the boys at the home delivered the invocation. Talks were given by Dr. Rhodes Haverty, chairman of the board for Catholic Social Services; Sister John Frances, C.S.J., administrator of St. Joseph’s Home in Washington; and Mr. Gerard Deckbar, the architect for the new home.

In his talk Archbishop Hallinan likened the crowd present to their “spiritual forefathers” who gathered nearly a hundred years ago in the flourishing community of Washington to witness the beginning of a home to care for dependent children.