Hampstead, N.C. – Parishioners of All Saints gathered on their campus June 30 for a groundbreaking ceremony. The community is beginning construction on a new church building, which will seat about 750 people for Mass. The planned completion date was set for Fall 2024.
Situated on U.S. Highway 17 North, the campus currently offers a worship space that was dedicated in 1996 and has served the parish since then, said Rick Spillane, chair of the new facilities committee, in his opening remarks at the groundbreaking.
“The vision all along and the dream was to build a church when the time was right for the parish, and you can see that by the fact that we have the space here to do so,” he added, while standing with the cleared land for the new church behind him and the present worship and office space in front of him. “Early foresight has set us up for success.”
The ceremony included an opening prayer, scripture readings, intercessions and hymns. Monsignor Joseph Ntuwa, pastor, and Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama shared remarks. After the site blessing with holy water, seven people stepped forward for the ceremonial breaking of ground.
Mike Berry, who represented WKWW Architects, Dennis Murphy, chair of the pastoral council, Monsignor Joseph, Bishop Luis, Ryan Hampson, who represented parish’s youth, Mildred Pascucci, who represented the foundational members, and Kurt Roof of Sanford Contractors each donned a hard hat and yellow vest. Together, they used shovels to toss a small amount of dirt and officially welcome the construction process.
Although considered for many years, planning for the new church began in earnest in 2019, Spillane said. The committee visited similar parishes to learn about the process. They partnered with their chosen architect and contractor. By 2021 the capital campaign was underway. To date, more than 500 households have given and pledged more than $3.5 million toward the project, which is estimated at about $9.5 million.
The first phase, organizers shared, is the new church building with a connecting wing to the existing building. The wing will offer classrooms and meeting space. The existing sanctuary will become a hall for the community’s social events. Phase one also includes expanded parking and enhanced outdoor space. A second phase, they said, is expected in about 20 years and will meet the needs of that time.
At the groundbreaking Monsignor Joseph had a special request.
“I ask all of you dear parishioners to applaud yourselves for making this day possible,” he said, noting their generosity, sacrifice and courage. “To build a place of worship … the people of All Saints have blossomed, grown in numbers in relationship with and in service to our Lord … And that’s why we are here today … ready to get on with our mission to build a church … We are not merely constructing a facility … but continuing to build the people of God.”
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