October 21, 2007, was an eventful and important day for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Logan. Along with confirmation, a dedication of a newly build social hall was held.

Obviously, the day began very early for some as they began to arrive around 8 a.m. to begin cooking for the reception.

Bishop Michael Bransfield arrived early enough to enjoy a time of fellowship before the pre-confirmation meeting with the confirmands.

The Confirmation Mass began to assemble around 11:30 a.m., quickly filling the church with parish members and visitors. The Mass was ecumenical as guests from neighboring Baptist, Christian, Episcopalian, Methodist and Presbyterian attended.

Five confirmands, Adam Burroway, Rebecca Canterbury, Corey Hamaker, Kelsey Hamaker and Chance Ooten, were both proud and excited. During the course of their preparation for confirmation, they did two spiritual art projects under the guidance of Paula White. The first was a Peace project and the second was a Saint project. Both were framed for display in the new social hall.

Most Rev. Bishop Bransfield spoke so beautifully it seemed as if he had no script, but spoke directly from his heart. His message was very heartfelt and uplifting and was especially meaningful to the newly confirmed in faith.

Following Mass, everyone proceeded to the social hall where Bishop Bransfield blessed and dedicated each area of the hall. Priests standing alongside included Rev. Tom Charters, Rev. Jerry Dorn, Rev. David Glockner, Rev. Tom Kirkendoll, Rev. David Schmidt, Rev. Schulken and Rev. Mr. Dennis Nestor.

Father Tom Charters recognized Dean Ross and Little D Construction, contractors and builders of the hall; Elizabeth Gillette, designing architect; Caitlin Mueller, preliminary drawings, and Mike Ferrell, project manager. Ferrell received a plaque for his efforts toward the project and his constant gift of time, talent and treasure to the church.

Plaques were also awarded to the building committee; Father George Mathis (who made the stained glass windows in the Confessional); in honor of donations given in memory of and to those who contributed to the building fund.

Following the dedication and recognitions, members and guests enjoyed a time of fellowship while enjoying the food and refreshments. In all, approximately 140 people were in attendance for the ceremonies.

Decorations in the social hall included flowers of autumn colors on tablecloths of white. Inside the church, colors were red and white in conformance with the liturgical colors for Confirmation.

Many people commented on the grandeur of the hall and how the outside design correlated with the church. The cross on the top front of the building and the cross on the back of the new social hall are symbolic of Christ. The joined circles symbolize the two churches that came together as one in Christ (St. Mary's at Holden and Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Logan).

The one window that was removed from the sanctuary due to the construction of a connecting passageway between the social hall and the church was reassembled in the shape of a cross. (The window was donated by the DeFobio Family.) The long panel was used to form the vertical beam of the cross. The horizontal beam, or the arms, was fashioned from the two shorter panels.

The Mosaic in the Gathering Space was given by Susan and Mike Ferrell and the Mosaic in the social hall was given by Cathy Marino in memory of William Marino. The stained glass windows between the church and the hall was given by St. Mary's Catholic Church.

The Statue of the Holy Family given by Angeline, Helen and Mel Triolo (deceased)

Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi hope that the confirmation and dedication were only the beginning of many special occasions to be held in the new hall.

(Editor’s Note