SEARCY — The new church building in Searcy has breathed new life in the Catholic community.
“Today is about Catholicism in White County,” said parish council president Mike Hart March 29 prior to the dedication Mass celebrated by diocesan administrator Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert.
St. James Church, established in 1906, outgrew its 200-seat church in large part to the growing Hispanic community. Five years ago, then-pastor Father “Udo” Ogbuji encouraged the 300-family parish to think about St. James’ future.
“He was the visionary,” development committee chairman Joe Giezeman said.
If a priest shortage required the parish to only offer one weekend Mass in English instead of two, the old church could not accommodate everyone. Also, 200 Hispanics regularly attend the Saturday evening Mass celebrated by Vincentian priests from North Little Rock. It is rare for the church to have vacant seats during the Spanish Mass, said Angie Simmons, Hispanic ministry coordinator.
The groundbreaking for the new 400-seat church was held on the parish’s 100th anniversary in November 2006. Two months later, Father Ogbuji was paralyzed in a car wreck and was transferred to a new assignment at Christ the King Church in Little Rock.
Even though the Nigerian-born priest could not attend the Mass because of his health, his spirit and his vision were mentioned during the dedication March 29. His friend and seminary classmate, Father John Agbakwuo, was named pastor in February 2007.
In a letter read by Deacon Bob Morris, Father Ogbuji said he hoped parishioners would forgive him once the church was paid for “since I am the one who drug you into this lofty goal.”
Giezeman said four years ago “the probability was low” that a new church would be built at St. James. The parish’s only goal was to add 10 pews to the back of the current church, but it was not structurally feasible.
“Father Udo was really instrumental,” he said of creating the vision for the new church.
The new church is a blend of the old and new. Twelve of the original stained-glass windows of saints, installed 13 years ago, were moved to the side walls. New stained-glass windows of St. Benedict and St. Michael the Archangel were paid for by local donors. Behind the altar 12 more windows were added, including ones of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Padre Pio and the Divine Mercy. The new and old windows were crafted by Soos Stained Glass, based in Maumelle.
The Hispanic community paid for a new window dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Simmons said.
“The stained-glass window of Our Lady was $5,100 and every bit of that was paid for by the Hispanics. She is very much loved,” said Simmons, a native of Spain.
The Spanish-speaking parishioners also donated time and labor to the construction of a grotto to Our Lady of Guadalupe with a water feature outside the church entrance.
Several parishioners donated their skills as artists and carpenters to the project. Two memorial trees were painted in the breezeway connecting the new and old church. Each of the 400 leaves lists an individual or family that contributed to the building.
“We wanted to remember everyone who contributed to the church with their time, talent or treasure,” said parishioner Janet Pace, who oversaw the interior details.
One parishioner crafted a cross, ambry for the sacred oils and baptismal font out of wood. Another parishioner donated the stones from his property used on the outside of the church and grotto.
Pace said the new altar with an image of the Last Supper was carefully chosen.
“We wanted everyone to understand the sacrifice Christ made for us,” she said. “We used warm colors and people (in the Last Supper and Stations of the Cross) who evoke a feeling of awe at the sacrifice.”
The new church of brick, stucco, tile and rock creates a grander presence for the parish on Pioneer Road. The $1.6 million building was designed so it can be doubled in the future to an 800-seat church.
“On the north wall, that is not a permanent wall,” Pace said.
A state-of-the-art sound system with video monitors were installed the back of the church, in the choir area, cry room and former church to allow everyone to see the altar, Pace said. One camera has been installed to record liturgies in the church and two more cameras could be added later, she said.
Giezeman said about $800,000 has already been raised for the church and another $400,000 has been pledged. Once the debt is paid for, the second phase would be to renovate the former church into offices, gathering space and bridal room. Giezeman said before construction began the parish created a master plan for the next 40 to 50 years in order to use the property in the best way. The plan includes a community center and columbarium.
Masses to dedicate new churches include several prayers that incorporate chrism oil, water and candles. The first half of the liturgy was conducted in a darkened church. Msgr. Hebert sprinkled the congregation with holy water. On the blank altar, Msgr. Hebert rubbed the chrism oil into the stone. Later members of the Knights of Columbus honor guard placed the linens on the altar. After blessing each window and wall with oil and incensing the altar, candles were lit and the main church lights were turned on.
Msgr. Hebert used part of his homily to explain the symbolism of the dedication Mass.
“When you come here, be hungry for the Word of God,” he said.
He also encouraged parishioners to show their joy in being able to attend Mass and receive the body of Christ. He said over the years thousands will receive the Eucharist and other sacraments in the church.
“All of this is because of your sacrifice,” he said.
