By Mary Panzarella

Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan dedicated the newly renovated sanctuary of St. John the Evangelist Church in Hapeville on Sunday, November 6, 1983. In the ancient ceremony of the Church, the archbishop anointed the altar and walls of the church as a reminder that they are sacred to God. He was joined by past and previous priests who have served at St. John’s as he concelebrated the liturgy of dedication. Following the dedication, a reception was held in the parish hall where friends greeted the archbishop and shared a feeling of special joy and pride.

Parishioners moved into their remodeled church in late August. Actual construction began less than a year ago and the project is the culmination of more than three years of planning. St. John’s pastor, Father Michael A. Woods, presented the need for additional classroom space and sanctuary changes in January, 1980 and the work was funded by a generous response of the parishioners to a special fund drive.

The upper level of the two-story addition includes a large vestibule and two overflow rooms designed for multi-purpose use. The lower level addition has three classrooms and a new religious education office suite.

Father Woods contributed many ideas for the new church and chapel and assistant pastor Father Stephen Naas was responsible for the altar design. Parishioners contributed their talents and resources to the exterior cross, tile floors, carpeting, plumbing and sound systems. Local artists made the altar furniture and the crucifix which hangs behind the altar was created by an out-of-state studio.

The sanctuary is highlighted by a cedar barrel ceiling over the altar area and a brick arched wall behind it. The cedar wood is repeated throughout the main body of the church and the vestibule. A new cry-room and choir area were designed and situated to incorporate them more fully into the congregation. A new sacristy, altar boy room, reconciliation room and tabernacle area were also built.

The 24-hour chapel at St. John’s has been restructured and features stained glass windows made at the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers.

The new exterior defines the entrance yet blends with the existing structure. The architect for the additions and improvements was Robert B. Cunningham of Cunningham, Forehand and Stringer, Architects, Inc. of Atlanta. General contractor for the project was Gene Barber of Barber and Tedder, Inc., of Fayetteville.