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HAYESVILLE — After 28 years of service, the building used by Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville has been sold, and the mission has moved a half-mile down the road to 1433 Hwy. 64 West, into the old Smith Power Sports building.

The new facility will provide expanded classroom space for religious instruction, as the number of youths in the mission has continued to increase. Mission members also need more room for various ministries and meetings, as funeral receptions have been overcrowded and social affairs have been restricted because of limited seating.

The old building has been sold to the congregation of New Life Church, led by Pastor Greg Carroll. They are moving from a strip mall just down the highway.

Both communities held a special service called "Taking the Memories" on Sept. 30 to celebrate the transfer of ownership.

Merrill Morrison wrote the service commemorating the events and the people over the years, and a number of people shared their memories about IHM.

Bill Heller and Jim O'Brien opened the service by singing "Precious Memories."

The land was originally donated by Richard Berguin. Over the years, both at Mass and at fellowship gatherings, mission members have met new friends and neighbors whom they have come to know, appreciate and love. Countless petitions have been offered and prayers answered. Dinners, celebrations and meetings have filled the common area countless times.

The mission has been the site for 78 baptisms, 59 first Communions and 48 confirmations. Nineteen times it was the site of couples entering into holy matrimony. On 84 occasions, the passing of loved ones was commemorated.

During the celebration, Shaughn Bannon captured the moment by describing "Giants of the Church," early members of IHM who led and sacrificed for the future. He gestured to the New Life Church members present as "giants of their church" by their leadership.

All who spoke at the event repeated a common theme: "It's the people, their love and concern that makes the church, not a building."

IHM mission members said they take heart in knowing that their former spiritual home will be in good hands with New Life Church – not just as caretakers, but knowing that God will still be present within its walls and guiding the ministry taking place within the structure.

Father George Kloster, IHM's pastor, gave Carroll a symbolic key to the building, and both pastors commented on the fellowship of churches working together for the betterment of their community. Then everyone joined hands to pray the Lord's Prayer.

— Jeanne Odom and Maureen Ripper, special to the Catholic News Herald

Pictured: Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission officially passed the keys for its old building to its new owners on Sept. 30 during a "Taking the Memories" service. Pictured (from left) are Greg Carroll, pastor of New Life Church, and Father George Kloster, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission. (Photo provided by Ott Fiebel)