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Published 5:38 pm Friday, November 8, 2024 By Staff Reports On Dec. 5, 1953, a tornado severely damaged St. Paul Catholic Church and the congregation decided to demolish it and build a new church.

A “Committee of One Hundred,” composed of men and women of the parish, was created as an advisory board to direct the rebuilding of the church and, at the same time, the construction of a new gymnasium at St. Francis Xavier Academy. The committee set a goal of raising $500,000: $350,000 for the new church and $150,000 for the gym.



Monsignor D. J. O’Beirne, pastor of St.

Paul, spoke at the committee’s first meeting, stating that “It’s a big challenge, but we are big and brave enough to meet it.” Construction of the church could not begin until 50% of the funds were secured. C.

J. O’Neill, chairman of the committee, suggested the funds be raised on a five-year pledge basis. R.

C. Wilkerson, a member of the steering committee, reported that a $150,000 disaster loan could be secured from the Small Business Administration (SBA) with terms of 3% and 20 years. He also reported the Knights of Columbus had donated $10,000 and that $20,000 was already in the gymnasium fund.

Architect James Canizaro of Jackson was chosen to design the new cafeteria and by March, the plans were complete. The building would be two-story, concrete frame construction throughout, except the roof which would be steel construction with steel joists. The exterior walls were brick with tile back-up.

The.

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