ELKIN — Members of St. Stephen Mission gathered on the Feast of Christ the King Nov. 22 for the initial celebration event of the church's 60th anniversary.
During Mass, three of the founding members – Gayle Altemueller, Ruth Harris and Greg Collins – presented Father John Hanic, pastor, with a papal blessing from Pope Francis to mark the special occasion. Following Mass, the community gathered in the Family Life Center for a brunch hosted by the Ladies' Guild.
St. Stephen has been a mission of St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro since its founding.
In the spring of 1955 construction of St. Stephen Church was started. The land on which the church was built was purchased from Chatham Manufacturing Co. for $1.
The first Mass was celebrated in late 1955, and the church was officially dedicated on Jan. 30, 1956, by Bishop Vincent Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh. Whether from curiosity or true interest, Elkin townspeople overwhelmed the church on the day of the dedication. The event attracted the mayor, town officials and community leaders as well as average citizens.
—Photos provided by Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ. Slideshow courtesy of Bill Harmon, member of St. Stephen Mission.