Father John Henley, pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Dahlonega, has been hospitalized at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Father Henley suffered a mild stroke after falling from a ladder at the church early Friday morning, July 22.

High winds the night before had caused tree damage on church grounds and Father Henley was attempting to cut down some broken branches when he fell.

Immediate help was rendered by neighbors who were nearby when the accident occurred.

Taken first to the Lumpkin County Hospital emergency room, Father Henley was transferred to the Gainesville facility for more extensive testing. X-rays revealed he had suffered no broken bones and an arteriogram indicated that surgery was not necessary.

Because of the seriousness of his condition, however, visitation hours at the hospital have been very limited.

Sister Helen Emerson, pastoral assistant at St. Luke’s said Monday that Father Henley’s condition was improving. Doctors released him from intensive care this week, although continued rest will be required for his full recuperation.

Meanwhile, at St. Luke’s, the parish community has been pulling together, praying for Father Henley’s recovery and pitching in where needed.

“People here are used to stepping in and doing what they (need to) do,” said Sister Helen, who cut short her vacation in St. Louis when she learned of the accident.

Father Jim Adams from St. Jude’s Church in Atlanta has been helping out with weekend Masses and Sister Helen has been keeping up with parish home visitation.