The church on the hill WESTERN BUREAU: A COMBINATION OF $9 million, a generous donation of land, and the knowledge of a have volutionary housing system, has resulted in the construction of a church on a hill. The Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Maggotty, St Elizabeth, stands tall on a hill in Apple Valley, the culmination of six months construction, by Royale Homes Limited. Two Polish priests, fathers Father Mark told The Gleaner, that his first Mass in the community was held in an open building and only a few Catholics were in attendance. Among them was Lucelle Lee, a Catholic of over 20 years. "Six years ago I had a vision of a church on a hill. The arrival of the two priests was the beginning of the realisation of this vision. My husband Patrick and I donated 5 acres of land, as a first step," Lucelle said. According to Father Mark, generous donations, and a link with Royale Homes Limited, resulted in buildings being erected on the land donated by the Lees. The first building was a Rectory, which now doubles as a Basic School. This was followed by the construction of the church. Continuing, Father Mark informed, "The church occupies 2,730 square feet, with three levels. There is a choir room, an office, storage area and a bell tower. "The building was completed by Royale Homes using the Royale Building System. The System consists of Polymer Compo-nents, prefabricated to the shape of the building. Concrete is poured into the components which have remained in place. It does not rust or rot, is hurricane and earthquake proof. It is the first church to be built in Jamaica using this System." At the Dedication Service on June 3, Bishop Paul Boyle delivered the Homily. He congratulated the Polish Priests on their achievement, and wished them continued growth in their work in Apple Valley, Maggotty. The Fathers declared that growth has been consistent. "There have been 8 baptisms, Sunday School, Bible Study, and Catechism Classes. This is just the beginning," they opined in unison.
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