By Bill Hall

When Harry Murphy put The Georgia Bulletin together on Monday night for the November 11 issue, it was his last official act as editor of the paper. Effective with the November 19 issue, the reins will pass to a new editor, Father James Maciejewski.

Harry Murphy became editor of The Georgia Bulletin in March 1969 during a financial crisis. Under his direction, the paper began a compact with the Diocese of Savannah and Charleston to produce a larger and more readable product. By adding four common pages to the inside of the paper, some economy was achieved that kept at least two of the diocesan papers from folding.

During a recent interview, Harry recalled some of his experiences as editor of the paper. "As editor," said Harry, "I attempted to present a contrast of opinion and news articles from all segments of the Catholic community in North Georgia." Harry has not tried to avoid controversy, and feels that controversy centered around relevant issues is a breeder of reader interest. "I strongly believe that intelligent people should be able to disagree without breeding hate. In the paper, I have tried to strike a balance that would reflect the actions and opinions of the archdiocese by running local issues that people can identify with."

A popular feature of the Bulletin was Harry's "Dear Reader" column, which first appeared on March 6, 1969, at the same time that Harry became editor. Many of his articles drew a heavy reader response, which he encouraged.

During his tenure as editor, Harry had several articles that were picked up by the wire service. One of these, a "Dear Reader" column, was an article in favor of priests getting involved in politics. The item also prompted a telephone call from a Los Angeles radio station, which interviewed him on the air.

Another article that was picked up by the Associated Press was one concerning the recent controversy at St. Peter's Church in Rome, involving the Vatican policy of refusing admission to women wearing short skirts. Other articles of significance involved one on the different hippie religions and another about what the nuns thought on the question of celibacy for the priesthood.

Asked about the future of The Georgia Bulletin, Harry stated, "There is a definite need for a full-time editor and at least one full-time reporter. The paper should speak out on the issues of the day and relate them to the clergy and laity in the archdiocese. To do this, we need to get out and talk to the people. The Catholic population, which is about 2.2% in North Georgia, is too apathetic about today's issues. There is a critical need for the church to lead her flock; to take a position on moral issues such as low-income housing and the school busing of children."

Harry has been in the newspaper business since 1958 when he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. Since then, he has had newspaper assignments in Gainesville, Ga., Charlotte, NC, and Savannah, Ga., before coming to The Atlanta Journal six years ago. At the present time, he is the capitol reporter for The Atlanta Journal. Harry has also done some freelance writing.