(Fourth in a Series)

A capacity crowd, which included many civic officials and guests, attended the dedication of St. Matthew's Church in Fairburn on the last Sunday in October. Archbishop Donnellan blessed the building and offered the Mass. Concelebrants of the Mass were Father James Noonan, pastor, and Father Joseph Baxer, associate pastor. Master of Ceremonies was Father James Miceli, vice-chancellor of the archdiocese.

In the introductory remarks to his homily, the archbishop stated that the occasion marked his first visit to Fairburn. Then he continued, "All aspects of life lead up to the Sunday Mass and it helps nourish the rest of the week. The universal Catholic Church is manifested through the local community church. The building we are dedicating today will grow old but your faith will remain active and growing. It is my prayer today that this dedication ceremony never be conducted until there is utter identity between this place and yourselves, as the Lord's Temple. May He make His home in you both."

Following the ceremonies, a reception was held on the lawn in front of the church. Refreshments were served from tables placed under a tent, a very appropriate setting since the present church building was formerly the Bishop and Poe Funeral Home.