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In view of the increasing number of Catholic faithful residing in
two residential areas north and south of the incorporated limits of the city of
Atlanta, it has been judged to be in the interest of their continuing spiritual
growth and development to establish new parishes in each area. The two parishes
are designed geographically as Peachtree City and East Marietta.
In each case, considerable consultation and planning has preceded
this Official Decree of Establishment. The matter was treated initially by the
archdiocesan consultors in the fall of 1972 and their work, evaluating the
spiritual needs to be ministered to, and suggesting equitable boundaries for
the new parishes, has been extremely helpful. In addition, the pastors of the
sister parishes adjacent to the new parish territories were also consulted in
the same regard. The approval for this action was unanimous.
Therefore having the benefit of these deliberations and
recommendations, I hereby decree that two new parishes are, by this document,
established in the area known as Peachtree City and East Marietta, The
effective date of this decree is June 1, 1973.
1. Peachtree City: This parish comprises certain areas formerly
served by the parish of St. Philip Benizi, Jonesboro, and the mission of St.
George, Newnan.
The boundaries are: beginning at Interstate 85 at the
Fulton/Coweta County line; south on Interstate 85 to the new State Road 154
(formerly Co. S 1060); southeast on Georgia 154 to Georgia 54; south on Georgia
54 to Georgia 16; south on Georgia 16 to the Fayette/Coweta/Spalding line;
follow Fayette County line to Georgia 92; northwest on Georgia 92 to the Fulton
County line; Fulton County line west to Interstate 85.
The first pastor of this new parish is the Reverend Edward A.J.
Danneker who is currently completing a teaching assignment at St. Joseph High
School in Atlanta.
Masses are currently being celebrated in the First Presbyterian
Church of Peachtree City with the long-range plan of acquiring land for
building in the planned community development of Peachtree City itself.
2. East Marietta: This parish comprises certain areas formerly
served by the parishes of St. Joseph, Marietta, St. Jude, Sandy Springs, and
St. Thomas the Apostle, Smyrna.
The boundaries are: beginning at the intersection of Interstate 75
and the Chattahoochee River (Cobb County); Interstate 75 north to the Marietta
Perimeter Road; north on Perimeter Road to Roswell Road; north on Roswell Road
to the intersection of Sewell Road; north on Sewell Road to Holly Springs Road;
north of Holly Springs Road to Sandy Plains Road; northeast to Sandy Plans Road
to the Fulton County line; south on the Fulton/Cobb County line to the
intersection of Interstate 75.
The first pastor of the new parish is the Reverend John J. Mulroy,
formerly pastor of Sacred Heart Church in downtown Atlanta.
The archdiocese purchased land approximately 18 months ago in
anticipation of the opening of this parish. That tract is located on Lower
Roswell Road, immediately east of Clinton Drive.
Those members of the faithful living within the confines of the
above mentioned areas are members of the respective parishes. They face the
challenge of giving the Church an increasingly viable and visible presence in
these areas now that their parishes are officially established. To them and to
their new pastors, I extend best wishes and prayers that the Lord of the
harvest may bless their work together with His fruitfulness.
Given at Atlanta, Georgia, this 28th day of May 1973.
Most Reverend Thomas A. Donnellan
Archbishop of Atlanta |
