Let me tell you a little bit about what the St. Dominic Refurbishment Project is. The old Elementary school that was last used as a sixth grade academy is located at 427 Cash St, in Cornelia. The old, neglected and vandalized building was purchased by the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2016. Since then, St. Mark Church in Clarkesville and its parishioners have been working on the building and building relationships in the community. First it was some classrooms, then a chapel. But even with all that we needed more space. So, the refurbishment project began to convert the gymnasium and the classrooms and stage into one sanctuary. Local volunteers and those from all over the country have come to assist in this effort. It is our hope to make it a place that demonstrates God's love for all! It is unbelievable how much the appearance of the chapel has come together.

The demolition itself was a monumental task. Because the building was built so long ago, the plumbing and electric had to be redone completely, as well as the roof. It had to be taken down to its very base before any improvements could begin. Additionally, the entire side of the building had to be taken down and rebuilt to become the main entrance. A new design had to be created, framing added, fire sprinklers installed, framing done, drywall installed, skylights inserted. It has been a work of love, but we have been so blessed along the way!!

Structurally, we are now COMPLETE!! It truly is a miracle of God! Of course, that does not mean we are finished. There are still so many things that we need like the materials to do the finishing of the wall treatment, flooring materials like carpeting, wood, and marble. Similarly, we need wood and marble for the altar and lectern. But God is leading the way with this refurbishment project! Our fundraising efforts have continued and we have been able to host a soccer tournament and the First Annual St. Dominic 5k run. We are in the process of working out the details for our next large event, a gala dinner. So, stay tuned for more details coming up for that.

We ask for your continued support and prayers. God is doing an incredible work here in Cornelia!! Please watch the clip above and read over the articles published about this project in both the Georgia Bulletin and The Northeast Georgian Newspapers. Please consider making a donation or maybe asking for one from some local businesses. A donation does not have to be money. We need materials, as stated, but we also need help actually doing the work but skilled and unskilled. Maybe you have some time or training that you could offer to the project or maybe you could help us reach others and spread the word about the "miracle in Cornelia". Even just sharing this gofundme page is a help for us. Whatever it is, know that any cooperation you are able to provide, is cooperating in the Will of God and He is faithful.