A rendering shows the proposed expansion of St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa.SWANNANOA — Bells ringing from the tower at St. Margaret Mary Church ushered in the beginning of a new era for the mountain parish on Oct. 16.
Parishioners gathered for a Mass celebrated by Father John Allen, pastor, to honor the parish’s patron saint, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and kick off a $4.5 million capital campaign, “Bells of Hope.” When complete, the campaign will enable the parish to more than double seating capacity in the 90-year-old church and usher in other needed improvements.
“Let us pray for the many needs of our parish and pray that God guides our wonderful parish through the challenges that await us,” Father Allen said.
The campaign launch held special significance for parishioners because it came less than a month after the one-year anniversary of the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
The parish became a beacon of hope for the surrounding area for months after the storm, offering supplies and financial support for survivors. Prior to Helene, parish leadership had planned to launch the capital campaign in October 2024. Priorities shifted to Helene relief, and the campaign initiative was paused.
“We are so blessed to be called to be part of this parish at this time,” said parishioner Anne Pacosa, who serves on the campaign committee. “We’re working toward the much-needed renovation and expansion of our church to serve our community long into the future.”
Thus far, the parish has raised $296,160, with $990,000 promised in pledges. An additional $1 million is needed before breaking ground, said Claudia Graham, chief operating and financial officer for the parish.
The parish’s roots stem from 1936, when Raleigh Bishop William Hafey purchased a plot of land to build a church to accommodate the influx of northeastern Catholics who came to work at Beacon Manufacturing’s blanket mill.
The “Bells of Hope” project will be the first significant construction since the church was built, with the exception of a multi-purpose building in 1969.
Ohio-based architect William Heyer is the lead architect for the project, which would expand the church’s seating capacity from 140 to 303 and add 3,086 square feet to its current 1,891-square-foot layout. Side aisles, a choir loft and a rest room will be added, and the narthex will be enlarged. Other planned improvements include relocating the confessional to the back of the nave and enhancing accessible seating for people with disabilities.
A priest’s sacristy will be added to the current sacristy, and a portico and patio will be added to the church entrance. Space will be reserved for a future outdoor plaza and grounds improvements.
In a letter to the parish, Father Allen recalled an incident from Oct. 5, 2024, a week after Helene tore through the Valley. A man named Luke was visiting Grovemont Park, a destination for throngs of people seeking hurricane assistance, comfort, and hope. Luke heard the crowd erupt loudly. He asked, “why are you cheering?” The crowd said: “the bells of Saint Margaret Mary are ringing again!”
“Our bells were signs of hope for the community, and this moment reminds us that they always have been a sign of hope,” Father Allen wrote. “Our Bells of Hope Capital Campaign is our opportunity to ensure that these bells continue to ring for all generations to come.”
— Christina Lee Knauss
More online
At www.saintmmc.com: Learn about “Bells of Hope” or call the campaign information line at 828-747-7261.
