Another milestone in the growth of the Church was passed this month with the celebration of the first Mass in the small North Georgia town of Blairsville.

The county seat of Union County, Blairsville lies within the boundaries of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Dahlonega. Although the area is sparsely populated, the hills and lakes of the area are rapidly becoming a popular vacation spot. Nottely Lake, Lake Winfield Scott and Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, are familiar names to residents of the Atlanta area.

Of the 19 persons who attended the first Mass, eight were permanent residents of the area and the rest were summer residents and visitors.

Father Gerald Peterson is pastor of St. Luke’s parish and is assisted by Father Frank Ruff.