St Margaret Mary - Swannanoa, NC

There may be some doubt about the true meaning of Swannanoa's name, but in 1923 Charles  D. Owen saw it as 'Beautiful Valley' from a train window. He bought a farm in the area and his new blanket manufacturing plant: Beacon Manufacturing opened in 1925. In 1933, as textile companies moved south, Beacon closed his Bedford, New Hampshire plant and moved all the equipment and staff to Swannanoa. This created the need for a Catholic church since many of New Bedford, Massachusetts employees with Roman Catholic traditions moved south with the company. Every Sunday, they faced a 20-mile trip to the only church in Asheville on dirt roads. 

E.W. Grove had begun developing the first planned community in the United States which was named Grovemont. A great blessing occurred when Bishop W. J. Hafey bought a 2-acre lot for $500 in Grovemont, initially meant for a hotel, to build a church. Architect Brother Michael McInerney of Belmont Abbey was hired to design a church. A $15,000 bequest from Kate Kelly through the Catholic Extension Society funded construction. The church and rectory, built for $13,000, were dedicated in 1936 by Bishop Hafey and Fr. Joseph L. Federal was named the first pastor. A brick addition to back of the church began in 1965 but faced delays; the goal was to provide classroom and parish hall space. The structure was completed and dedicated in 1969. Our church building has been virtually untouched since 1936.  

In September 2024, the Swannanoa Valley was devastated by Hurricane Helene. St. Margaret Mary did not experience significant damage. The loss of lives and damage to property in western North Carolina was unfathomable. Grovemont Park became a central location to find resources of food, water, strength and unity. St. Margaret Mary opened the parish hall as a supply center and continues to assist those who suffered significant losses. The Bells of St. Margaret Mary ceased to ring for many days, and when the bell rang to begin an outdoor Mass on Saturday, October 5th; those in the park began to cheer.  It was a defining moment in the midst of tragedy. Our bells are a sign of Hope, the fundamental act of trusting in God's promises, relying on his help, and believing that he will grant us eternal life through the merits of Jesus Christ. 

The parish has over 300 registered households and many active ministries.  We know we need to reach out broadly to achieve our goal. St. Margaret Mary Parish has begun her 90th year of service to the Swannanoa Valley. It is time to position the parish for the next 90 years.  The Bells of Hope campaign will do exactly that.  Our plans intend to:

• ¨ Improve safety by adding side aisles and an additional exit
• ¨ Increase seating so all can worship together in the nave
• ¨ Add a priest’s sacristy and improve the working  sacristy
• ¨ Relocate the confessional to the back of the nave
• ¨ Enlarge the narthex to allow for a public restroom and a Baptistry
• ¨ Enhance seating access for the disabled
• ¨ Add a choir loft accessible from the narthex
• ¨ Enhance the church entrance with a portico and patio
• ¨ Allow for future improvements to the plaza and grounds

We appreciate your generous support that will help us continue our mission in the Swannanoa Valley for generations to come! 

 For more information contact Bells of Hope at 828-747-7261