On Sept. 4 Archbishop John F. Donoghue celebrated Mass and dedicated the newly renovated parish center as the Msgr. Stapleton Center to honor the first pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Sandy Springs.

Renovations include alterations to the room which functions as a reception facility for social events and weddings as well as three meeting rooms, a warming kitchen and a bride’s room. The parish center was also made accessible to handicapped and elderly persons through a lift and enclosed stairway.

The entrance was named The Spalding Pavilion since the land upon which the parish is situated is part of the old Spalding farm. The land was donated to Bishop Francis Hyland in 1961 by the families of Hughes Spalding, Sr., Jack J. Spalding, Jr., and Suzanne Spalding Schroder.

The capital campaign entitled “Facing Challenges and Pursuing Opportunities” began in 1991 under the direction of Father Daniel O’Connor, pastor, with the assistance of Eleanor Crockett and Ronnie Kessenich, the director of development. The co-chairs of the capital campaign were Robert L. and Mary Byrne Callahan and Steve and Janice Kerr.

For planning financial reasons the construction was divided into three phases. Other completed work includes the air conditioning of the school building, and rest room renovations in the parish center and school.

The only work remaining is the addition of a 6,383 square-foot annex to the education building which will include an accredited library, computer and science lab and an equipment storage room.

Laura and Ken Stachler and the Callahans will co-chair the capital campaign for the remaining work.

“People came out in force to celebrate with us,” Mrs. Kessenich said. “It was a real special weekend for everyone at St. Jude’s.”

St. Jude the Apostle was established on Oct. 1, 1960. The first Mass was celebrated in the church May 6, 1962.