Church News

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY AT

GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Members and friends of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church gathered last Sunday morning to break ground for major expansion. It was the culmination of more than seven years of planning. The contractor for the project is Cantrell Construction of Cleveland, GA; the architect is George Hvlenka.

It was an historic event in the life of the community-oriented Hayesville church, bringing together three members who exemplify its legacy of spanning generations.  Representing the older generation were Ben Holt and Eleanor Wilson, founders and longtime church leaders. The younger generation was represented by Jared Edwards, great-grandson of Heyward Wilson, another longtime church member.

“Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony is symbolic of the growth that we have been experiencing over the last five years,” said Rev. John Rice, Good Shepherd’s Pastor. “To run out of space for meetings and active ministries, as well as a gathering place for parish events, is a good problem for us to have. The expansion of our facilities will meet the majority of our space needs.”

This project is the first major construction undertaken at Good Shepherd in 20 years. Construction will take place in phases. The first will be renovation of the infrastructure, converting the private well and septic tank to a municipal water and sewer system. Next, the parish hall and kitchen area will be replaced by facilities triple its present size. This space will then serve multiple purposes, including meeting and class rooms, a nursery and handicap accessible restrooms.

Of necessity, the Country Fare will not take place at Good Shepherd this year, nor will voting during elections. Because of the Fare’s cancellation, Good Shepherd will continue to support local organizations in other ways through its various ministries.

In closing the Ground Breaking Ceremony, The Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor, Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, sought God’s blessing on the undertaking.

“O Lord, you give birth to the rain, and your waters break forth in the desert. May Your gracious blessing descend like dew from heaven upon all those who will gather in this place for food and fellowship. May Your blessings of joy and laughter, love and tenderness fill us to overflowing so that we might become Your blessing to one another.”

All those present joined together with a hearty Amen, as they gave thanks for God’s presence in their midst.