OCR Text |
Show Untiring Efforts Result In Upgraded Chapel For Area Catholic Services "It doesn't matter where services are held as long as you worship," Mrs. Edna Clarqe, Panguitch said often as she and her son, Michael Connell would move the furniture out of the front room and set up the alter and chairs for the parishoners to sit on as they worshipped, such few people worshipping in the Catholic Church in Panguitch that they didn't need a larger place. As the group become larger they moved Into Mrs. Clarke's garage. They were worshipping in a little corner of the garage. It wasn't nice, but it was a place to worship, Mrs. Clark said. Last summer Mrs. Clark and her son, Michael decided why not transform the garage into a chapel, which is what they did. They decided between them what they could go without for the summer, new clothes, recreation and other necessities. With this money they bought paneling and other building supplies and worked many long hours. Because there were many young children attending the services with their parents they bought a very good, rather expensive carpet to lay on the floor. They discovered if there is a will there is a way. When they first moved to Panguitch seven years ago, Mrs. Clarke was married to Jack Connell. They were told there were no Catholic services being held in Panguitch. They were told that during the summer months from May to October services were, held at the St. Dominies Chape) at Pink Cliff's' which had been; built on land donated, by Jerry Bartlett. This did not satisfy-thefiSneeds as they felt fivemonths out of the year was not enough to worship the Lord and give praises because of their many bounteous blessings. Shortly after moving to Panguitch Connell died, leaving Mrs. Connell and her son, Michael, then 12 years old. Later she was married to Donald C. Clarke, Page, Ariz. Because of their close association with Father Joseph Valine of Milford, who conducted services at Pink Cliffs, services were started in Panguitch. "At first many times, Father Valine said mass, Michael was alter boy and I was the only Parishoner," Mrs. Clarke said. Now there are at least 30 people attending mass In their newly built chapel during the winter months and many more during the summer time since this is a tourist city. Following mass each Sunday, which starts at 12:15 p.m., a social hour is held where coffee, tea and hot chocolate, Fr. Valines donuts and or other goodies brought by the parishoners are served while the group spend time associating with each other. Also, Christmas and Easter dinner Is served to the congregation following noon mass. This Is the hour the group grows closer, which has made them just like one happy family, Mrs. Clarke said The people are able to visit with the tourists, which has resulted in many lovely letters, Christmas cards, and continued friendship with people all over the world As these tourists leave, they are given either a rock from Garfield County area, a purple bottle or other token as something to remember their Garfield County trip with and as a reminder to pray always. Father Valine's 80th birthday will be held this year on his brithday, Christmas Eve. Following midnight mass, which is always held in Milford, Christmas Eve, a short social is held to let Father Valine know how much the Parishoners love and respect him. Besides using the newly reformed chapel for Catholic Mass, other denominational services are welcome to use the chapel, Mrs. Clarke said. In fact she encourages worship in each others own way so much that this summer while the nondenomlnational services was being held every Tuesday Mrs. Clark tended the younger children for the group. "I love my Church," Mrs. Clarke said and added she felt if the whole community would be understanding of everyone's individual belief this understanding would help the community to become a closely knit place to live. 1 ikJmbofiW GARFIELD C0DST7 KEWS ,. 3 The Garage of Mrs. Edna Clarke of Panguitch was transformed to be used as their Catholic Chapel by Mrs. Clarke and her son, Michael The Interior of the Clarke garage was transformed at paneling was hung, a good carpet laid for the children to have a place to crawl on Connell. Included In the remodeled garage Is the chapel area and a special room for Father Joseph Valine of Milford the alter was brought in and chairs placed for worship by the parishoners. The results a lovely and sacred place for all Catholics. |