Manchester parishioners’ generosity builds new church

MANCHESTER – Parked alongside the site where a new church will soon rise for St. Bartholomew in Manchester, a driving rainstorm couldn’t dampen the spirits of Father Michael Roach.

As raindrops beat down on his windshield, the pastor smiled and surveyed the 34 acres of farmland that had been purchased more than 40 years ago for a new house of worship just south of town.

About 90 percent of the grading work has already been finished at the muddy site, with construction of the all- brick church to follow.

The $4.9-$5.4 million project is expected to be finished by next Thanksgiving unless there are too many more rainy days like this one.

“Our parishioners have been just wonderful,” Father Roach said. “They have waited a long time for this. They see this as a great patrimony for their children and grandchildren. The whole town is enthused about it.”

St. Bartholomew has been growing at a rate of about 2 to 3 percent a year, according to Father Roach. Since the parish was established in 1865, the registry has increased 11 fold. In just the last 10 years, the faith community has seen an explosive growth of more than 250 percent.

Today there are more than 1,100 registered families and more than 500 children in the religious education program. As housing developments continue to blossom in Carroll County, there’s no end to the growth in sight.

With a 141- year- old country church that seats only 180 people, parishioners knew a bigger facility was needed, the pastor said. The new church, designed by Noelker & Hull Associates of Chambersburg, Pa, will seat 780 people and will feature traditional architecture.

After the church is completed, the parish has a longterm goal of erecting additional facilities for offices, a social hall and religious education space.
Parishioners have been raising funds for a new church for more than 14 years. Three capital campaigns have been held and other fund-raising efforts such as basket bingo, investment clubs, flower sales, beef raffles, candy sales and Knights of Columbus events have supported the cause.

Joe and Judy Bach, St. Bartholomew parishioners who helped coordinate two of the capital campaigns, said parishioners have been very supportive. A large group of volunteers visited many parishioners to ask them for their financial backing. About 95 percent of those visited made pledges, Mr. Bach said. The parish has raised more than $2.8 million for the project.

The Bachs said the groundbreaking ceremony led by Cardinal William H. Keeler in September was one of the happiest days for the parish.
More than 250 people were on hand for the big event.

Theresa Stone, a parishioner who serves as campaign registrar, said the level of generosity has been very strong. St. Bartholomew is a tight-knit parish that has a strong sense of family, she said.

The current church will be used as a chapel for daily Masses, small weddings, funerals and other worship services after the new one opens. While there is still a lot of fundraising left to do, Father Roach said he has confidence in his parishioners.

“It calls for a great amount of trust in the providence of God and the goodness of the people,” he said.

Email George Matysek at gmatysek@CatholicReview.org

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