One of the most encouraging signs of continuing growth in the Archdiocese is the maturing of older parishes and missions. Such is the case with Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hartwell, a Mission of Saint Mary's Parish in Toccoa. From its beginning in the eighteen nineties with one Catholic family, to the early nineteen fifties when Mass was first celebrated on a regular basis at a local funeral home, the mission has continued to grow. In 1954, an old farmhouse with acreage was bought to be used as a church and overnight residence for a priest. The development continued, and in 1977, a new church was completed.

Now, after due consideration with the Archdiocesan Board of Consultors, inquiry of the Pastor of Saint Mary's and the Dean of the area, it seems in the best interest of the faithful and the Church at large to move this mission to full parish status. The Board of Consultors has recommended this and I have accepted the recommendation.

Therefore, with the required canonical consultations having been completed, I now decree the establishment of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Hartwell, Georgia.

The boundary shall be all of Hart County.

The first pastor of the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hartwell, Georgia, will continue to be Reverend Patrick J. McCormick, effective June 17, 1982.

This same factor of maturing has been seen in the area of Thomson, Georgia, where the Mission of Queen of Angels has grown since its establishment in the early nineteen fifties. Here, too, it seems in the best interest of all concerned that this mission become a full parish.

Accordingly, with all the required discussions having been completed, and on the recommendation of the Board of Consultors, I now decree the establishment of Queen of Angels Parish in Thomson, Georgia.

The boundaries shall be all of McDuffie County and Warren County.

The first pastor of he Parish of Queen of Angels, Thomson, Georgia, will be Reverend James F. Kelly, effective June 17, 1982.

The faithful living within the boundaries herein outlined for the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hartwell, and the Parish of Queen of Angels in Thomson, are encouraged to lend their support and energy to making the Church's presence in this area a continually growing and effective one.

The Archdiocese has been blessed by the outstanding and untiring service of the Oblate Fathers to the People of God in Thomson. This document now effects the transfer of pastoral care of this area to the Archdiocese. We hereby extend public and heartfelt gratitude to the Oblate Fathers, not only for their work in Thomson but also for their service to the People of God residing in the boundaries of Saint Joseph's Parish in Washington, Georgia.

Given at Atlanta, Georgia, this 4^th day of June 1982.

[signature] Most Reverend Thomas A. Donnellan, Archbishop Of Atlanta

[signature] Reverend Edward J. Dillon, Ecclesiastical Notary.